
gass_F(^ 1 ' ..■ 
Book ■:P ^ H<o 



* V;. 





EN- hENPff H. bini.r.1 



DAKOTA COUNTY, v^/ 



ITS PAST AND PRESENT, 

Geographical, Statistical and Historical, 



TOGETHER WITH 



A GENERAL VIEW OF THE STATE, 



BY 



W. H. MITCHELL. 



TRIBUNE PRINTING COMPANY, 
MnncBATous. 1868. 




rA^ 



d 

^ :p:re:f.a.ce. 



To the reader, who, at the present time is conver- 
sant with most of the incidents herein related, the re- 
hearsal here may seem somewhat unimportant and of 
but little consequence. But having now been gath- 
ered together, they may in after years be considered 
of sufficient worth to repay all the time and trouble 
it has cost to obtain them. 

The labor of gathering items of interest from the 
current events of the day as they have transpired dur- 
ing a term of years, and sifting therefrom such as are 
of sufficient importance to entertain and instruct, is not 
inconsiderable, when we take into consideration the 
fact that these items are to be gathered from a whole 
county, whose population is transient and constantly 
changing, and that but few of those who first broke the 
sod are the present tillers of the soil. 

We have not the vanity to suppose that the work- 
will be entirely free from errors, or that there are not 
many items of real interest that we have failed to pro 
duce. We only assure our readers that after months 
of toil and careful preparation we present matters as 
nearly correct as we could ascertain them. 

In order to make the work as valuable as possible^ 
we have also given a brief sketch of the State and its 
wonderful resources for wealth, prosperity and mate-^ 
rial greatness, as well as natural beauty and healthful 
climate. 



I^5^TI^o^^TJCTI0^5^. 

Whenevei- the liiunau mind contemplates any mo- 
mentous work cf nature or of art, or any grand 
acliievment of science, it wanders backwards through 
the various stages of its production to ascertain the 
causes that produced it. If a state or nation is more 
successful, prosperous and happy than its neighbor, 
the causes that produced these results are at once 
the subiect of thoughtful investigation. The various 
enterprises- carried ^.forward and the energies put forth 
to put them into execution, are the subject of close 
observance and careful analysis by the thinking 
world, and history or the active imagination of a fruit- 
ful brain must point out the origin. 

The wonderful transition of the young State of Min- 
nesota from a wild prairie and the home of the red 
men, to a powerful and wealthy State, with broader 
fields of grain than any other in the Union, populous 
cities and enterprising>nd^bustling towns and villages ; 
a State whose exports of wheat are only excelled by 
the State of California, has bo startled and surprised 
the citizens of the older States and even foreign coun- 
tries that each year brings many thousands of people 
anxious to learn the source of our wealth, growth and 
prosperity and to share in its benefits. 

Energv and perseverance of the highest order ol 
development are the requi'^ites most essential to the 



INTRODUCTION. V' 

pioneer who explores the forests of the new world and'^ 
opens lip a pathway for civilization and the arts,, 
builds roads and bridges that those who follow may 
pass safely over and possess themselves of the advan- 
tages their toil and hardships have developed. 

History has been Avont to place her heroes only 
among those who, 

" Seeking the bubble reputation, even in the cannon's^ 
mouth," 

have acquired fame and glory from feats of arms and 

martial prowess, forgetful of the fact that he who does 

his part well is as great a hero as he who wears the 

victor's wreath obtained on many a blood-stained field. 

It has been tritely said that he who makes tv/o blades 

of grass to grow where only one grew before, is a 

public benefactor, and he who aids in treasuring up 

the history of the past, or in developing the resources< 

of the present and opening up the storehouse of iuture^ 

prospects gathers into the garden of the mind a feast , 

of rich viands that shall refresh the saddened heart in. 

years yet to come, and cause to spring up new thoughts 

and activities, the results of which shall tell for good 

upon generations yet unborn. The pioneer is the real! 

hero, and the only true conqueror. His life a ceaseless. 

struggle of trials and hardships, and a* stern handi 

to hand conflict with necessity and poverty and alii 

their attendant ills and inconveniences. 

To erect some humble monument to the birth-place^ 

of civilization in this State and county, and to mark: 

upon the tablet some of the names of those who. 

founded and defended it, we have imdertaken thi&; 

labor, as well to show the superior advantages of thife 



■nvi INTRODUCTtON. 

beautiful land on the sunset side of the " Father of 
Waters," over others for an industrious and enterprising 
people to make for themselves homes and become in- 
dependent. 

If our efforts shall prove ot interest and benefit to 
the country, by laying before the people the advan- 
tages of locating within its borders, and investing capi- 
tal in the development of its resources, we shall feel 
compensated for having undertaken the task. 



SKETCH OF MINNESOTA, 




jHE State of Minnesota lies between 43° 30' 
and 49° north latitude, and extends from 91° 
^^R to 97° 5' west longitude, and is bounded on the 
^^^ north by the British Possessions, east by Lake 
Superior and Wisconsin, south by Iowa, and west 
by Dakota Territory. One of largest States in the 
Union, it embraces an area nearly equal to that of the 
old and populous States of Ohio and Pennsylvania, 
and larger than the wiioie of New England. It has 
an .area of somewhat over 84,000 square miles, or to 
bring it to acres, about 54,000,000,000 acres. 

Entirely destitute of high mountains, its surface 
is rolling, giving to its streams a good current, 
but seldom delighting tlie eye with cascades and 
waterfalls. The most hilly part of the State which 
lias been surveyed is along the banks of the Mississippi 
river, where in places the hills rise several hundred 
feet above the waters that glide along beneath them. 
The general surflice of the State is about 900 feet 
above the level of tlie ocean, though the highest point 
is 1,630 feet above tlie level of the Gulf of Mexico and 
2,896 miles from it, by the course of the Mississippi 
river. 

Located midway between the two great oceans of 
the world, the Atlantic on the east and the Pacific on 



•i SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 

Lake Superior, and westward stretcliing in one broad 
plain, in a belt quite across the continent, is a country 
where state after state is yet to arise, and where the 
productions of the crowded States are yet to be brought 
forth." 

From its commanding physical position, Minnesota 
holds the key to the vast commercial and productive 
interest of all the northwestern portion of the con- 
tinent, and at no distant day the large and fertile dis- 
tricts to the north and west of us will swarm with the 
enterprise and industry that develop a nation's great- 
ness, and pour the fullness of their fatness into the 
lap of Minnesota, as holiday gifts to her enterpring 
citizens. 

But few countries, if any, on the lace of the globe, 
at so early a stage of civilization can boast of so rapid 
a growth in all the industrial pursuits. Agriculture 
manufactures and the mechanic arts, all seem to strive 
with each other for the ascendency, and even vieing 
with older states in point of productions till Minne- 
sota stands at the head of the column of wheat-raising 
States, and v^'ill soon crowd the New England States 
to look to their laurels in a manufacturing point. 

The first settlement of Minnesota other than by 
United States troops was made by a company of Swiss 
immigrants in 1826, near the site of the present capital 
of the State. These emigrants from the old country 
were the pioneers of agriculture in the new, there 
having been no ground broken for the production of 
crops except by the United States troops, who had 
planted corn and potatoes as early as 1823, and so 



SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 



pleased were they with their first year's experience 
that the experiment was repeated each succeeding 
year with the most satisfactory results. The first 
steam navigation of the Mississippi, as far towards its 
source as the upper end of Lake Pepin was in 1823, 
when the Virginia landed at Fort Snelling, bringing 
glad tidings from below to the few scattered denizens 
of the Upper Mississippi. The steamer was laden 
with supplies for the garrison, and when the whistle 
sounded, it seemed fhe announcement of the opening 
up of a new era in the life of the northwest. But as 
the natives heard the shrill scream sending back a 
thousand echoes from the surrounding hills, they 
placed their hands over their mouths in token of aston- 
ishment, and as the steamer came in sight, sending 
forth clouds of smoke, and the scream of the whistle 
again pierced the air, they fled in terror from the "fire 
ship," which they imagined to be an avenging spirit 
sent by the great Manitou to punish them for their 
crimes. The force at the garrison w^ere animated by 
far different feelings, and the cannon thundered forth 
a joyous welcome, and all gathered upon the levee to 
greet the new comers. Several officers with their 
wives and children were among the passengers on 
the Virginia, who contributed largely to varying the 
monotony of life at the Fort. This accession swelled 
the number of women at the Fort to ten. 

ISTot much emigration to this country w\as had for a 
number of years. In 1836 some adventurous pioneers 
made claims on the east side of the river between St. 
Paul and St. Antlionv, and in 1837 Franklin Steele 



SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 



and others made a claim to the land on the present 
site of St. Anthony, and built tlie first house in that 
yicinity. There were two other cabins built the same 
year, and in 1838 Mr. Steele opened up a farm of seven 
acres, and commenced agricultural operations on the 
most extensive scale of any person in Minnesota. The 
centre of his field was not far from wliere the Tremont 
House in St. Anthony now stands. 

In 1838 the Indian title to the land was extin- 
guished, and it was put into the market lor white 
settlers, though land in the vicinity of St. Anthony 
was not entered until 1847, at which time title was 
granted to the claimants who entered it. 

In the year 1849 a bill was passed by Congress, 
creating the Territory of Minnesota, which had here- 
tofore belonged to different territorial organizations, 
but having no separate government of her own, and 
on the first day of June of that year, Alexander Ram- 
sey, of Pennsylvania, who had been appointed Gov- 
ernor by the President, proclaimed the Territory duly 
organized. St. Paul was designated as the capital, 
while by common consent the Penitentiary was 
located at Stillwater and the State University at St. 
Anthony. The population at this time Avas not very 
extensive, and the government, though liable to get 
somewhat complicated, owing to the existing circum- 
stances was sometiines administered in a rather primi- 
tive manner, and frequently with an eye more to 
what was considered the equity of the case than to the 
forms of statute, in such case made and provided. 
Gen. Sibley relates of Major Joseph K. Brown, who 



SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. ' 7 

at an early day lived at Grey Cloud Island, on tlio 
Mississippi, in the county of St. Croix, now Washing- 
ton, who was also a Justice of the Peace. On one 
occasion he was called upon to decide the adverse 
claims of two Canadian Frenchmen to the same piece 
of land, Brown was in a dilemma, as he was in doubt 
as to his authority to decide in regard to land, yet he 
was very unwilling to allow the dignity of his official 
position to be lowered in the estimation of the simple 
minded people around him, by averring a want of 
jurisdiction. He therefore listened to the evidence pro 
and con, and having ascertained that the claim had 
not been staked out, he cut the gordian knot of legal 
uncertainty by deciding that the land should be 
awarded to the one who first arrived on the ground 
and staked it out. The decision was accepted as being 
in accordance with law, and neither of the men being 
the owner of a horse, a foot race of more " than eight 
miles was the result. LeClaire being the fleetest of 
foot, succeeded in placing his l&nd marks in the pres- 
ence of witnesses before his panting competitor arrived. 
The latter made no further contest, and LeClaire pro- 
ceeded to pre-empt the land and lived there until the 
time of his death. This, probably, is by no means the 
only case in which fleetness of foot was the means of 
securing a valuable location, but it is believed to be 
the only case in the history of the Northwest where 
superior running was made to decide the legal title to 
land in obedience to the fiat of a Justice of the Peace. 
The name Minnesota is from the principal river in 
the State, which rises in Dakota Territory and runs 



SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 



southwesterly till it reaches Mankato in tliis State, 
when it takes a northeast direction, and empties into 
the Mississippi, at For Snelling. The name is a com- 
bination of the two Sioux words, Minne — water, and 
«(?-^aA— sky-tinted. So Minnesota— in the liquid lan- 
guage of the Dakotahs, signifies " sky-tinted waters." 

Tlie tide of emigration set in full flow in 1850, and 
scarcely had the fires of the wigwams been extin- 
guished and the echoes of the Indian war-whoop died 
away, ere the white settler had. his cabin erected and 
was tu^-ning up the virgin s©il for the culture of grain. 
Villages and cities were planted and surveyed, and 
speculators grew suddenly wealthy in the ownership 
of and sale of corner lots, and the game of speculation 
was only equalled by \h^ tide ' of immigration. And 
the incoming current of wealth and home-seekers was 
so great that the lucky owner of town lots suddenly 
found himself of consequence as a rich man. But 
these golden dreams were not always realized; all 
could not become rich, and even some who had staked 
their .fortunes in the game, found that the bright pros- 
pect was only a will-o'-the-wisp to lure them on to 
ruin. Aii4 ,>vhen the great financial revolution of 
1857 ocGurr<>d,. those who hajd supposed themselves 
ricli in the possession of valuable property found them- 
selves scarcely able to pay taxes . on tlio real estate 
they held, and that the one-half would hardly sell for 
enough to pay the taxes on the other half 

The population of the territory in 1850 was 5,330. 
but^ increased till 18C0 to 172,022, and in June 1865, 
it footed up in round numbers 258,858, showing a 



SKETCH OF MINJ^ESOTA. [) 

growth in population never equalled or even approxi- 
mated by any other State in the Union. In 1850 the 
whole number of acres of land plowed was 1,600 ; in 
1854:, 15,000; in 1860, 433,276, and in 1865 it ex- 
ceeded 600,000 acres. These last five years it will be 
borne in mind was while some eleven or twelve thou- 
sand of the able-bodied men were engaged in using 
swords instead of plowshares, which will account for 
the smaller average increase than in previous years, 
while for the last three years the averao^e increase has 
been greater than at any period since the settlement of 
the State, and there are now, at a moderate estimate, 
one and a half million of acres under cultivation, and 
ready for the next year's crop. 

Ever memorable in the annals of the history of the 
N'orthwest will be the events of 1862, fraught as they 
were with the soul-sickening horrors of the liiost' 
atrocious of Indian masacres that historic pen was ever 
called upon to ch)-onicle, where more than a thousand 
of the border settlers fell victims to savage cruelty and 
revenge, and were sacrificed upon their own hearth- 
stones. Those who were fortunate enough to escape 
the savage knife or rifle, fled in terror from their 
homes, lately so full of hope and happiness, and the 
, golden grain that covered such broad acres and gave 
promise of future wealth and prosperity, was left un- 
reaped and ungathered to rot upon the soil made deso- 
late by savage treachery and thirst for human blood. 

Although most of the able-bodied men ot the State 
were already in the field, with their rifles and knap- 
sacks to assist in crushincr out the niost formidable re- 



10 SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 

bellion the world ever knew, the generous-hearted and 
noble-souled citizens of safer localities sprang at once 
to the rescue, and soon put a force in the field that 
drove the invaders from the State, and made it as safe 
to remain in a frontier town, as at the city fireside. 
Since that time treaties have been entered into with 
the remaining tribes in the State, whereby some 10,000 
square miles of choice farming lands have been relin- 
quished to the government and the Indian title extin- 
guished. The lands formerly occupied by the Sioux, 
being some of the finest on the Minnesota and Eed- 
wood rivers, is open to settlement, and already vil- 
lages are springing up far beyond the utmost bounds 
of former civilization, and the increase in population 
is greater each succeeding year, and the oppressed of 
foreign countries seek the hospitable shores of America, 
and at once seek to establish homes on the public 
prairies of the JJTorthwest. 

THE AGRICULTURAL CAPACITIES 
and advantages of Minnesota can hardly be over-esti- 
mated, and rank second to none in the Union. Long 
ages of growth and decay of vegetable matter on the 
wide spread prairies of Minnesota, make up the 
organic ingredients of a soil abounding in all the most 
productive elements, the prevailing feature of which is 
a dark calcareous, sandy loam, with a strong admixture 
of clay. The silica which constitutes a chief part of 
the sand is one of the most important features in the 
soil for the production of the cereals, and is what 
makes Minnesota stand pre-eminent as a wheat grow- 
ing State The soil is of that soft, spongy condition, 
1 



SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 11 

SO mucli souglit after by experienced farmers, and 
only obtained in otlier soils by expensive underdrain- 
ing. In order to give a fair showing of the the natu- 
ral productiveness of the soil without manuring or 
other fertilizing agents, we subjoin the following table, 
showing the staple agricultural j^roducts of the State, 
and about the average yield per acre : 

No. of bushels 
Crops. per acre. 

Wheat 23.05 

Rye 21.56 



No. of bushels 
Crops. per acre. 

Sweet potatoes 150.00 

Beans 15.00 

Hemp lint (lbs.) 1,140.00 

Flax lint " 750.00 

Sorghum (gals, syrup). 100.00 
Hay (tons) 2.12 



Barley 33,23 

Oats 42.39 

Buckwheat 20.00 

Corn 35.67 

Potatoes 208.00 

This table was compiled from the census reports of 
1860, and gives the average yield for that year, and 
though the yield has been larger some years since, it 
has also been smaller other years, and taking the 
average of years it is, perhaps, a very correct estimate. 
Yet with proper cultivation, and having the land well 
fertilized in addition to being well cultivated, it might 
be made to produce a much larger crop. Under favor- 
able circumstances wheat is produced at the rate of as 
high as thirty-live bushels to the acre. In 1865 there 
was harvested from a field of four hundred acres, 10,000 
bushels of wheat, being at a rate of twenty-five bushels 
to the acre, and many other fields were in proportion. 
Yet this was not considered as anything wonderful for 
Minnesota, nor was that year's crop considered as ex- 
traordinary. Wheat is considered the great staple of 
Minnesota, and has thus far b«en comparatively ex- 
empt from the various dangers to which it has been 



-^2 SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 

exposed in other localities— such as rust, smut, insects, 
&c. This is really a fortunate circumstance for this 
State, as the country is yet new, and with such 
a rapidly increasing population, it must necessarily 
draw more heayily on the productive qualities of the 
soil than in older settled localities with a less changing 
population. Thus far in the agricultural experience 
of the farmers of Minnesota, the wheat crop has been 
considered a safe and sure one, and the farmer com- 
mits his seed to the earth with a feehng of almost cer- 
tainty that he will reap a rich harvest of from twenty 
to thirty fold in return. There is probably no State 
in the Union where wheat is so sure a crop as in Min- 
nesota, and not only is it a sure crop, but it averages 
a larger number of bushels per acre than the best of 
them. In 1850, the four States producing the largest 
average yield were Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, 
'Texas' and" Florida; this did not exceed 15 bushels, 
while the other States averaged only from 5 to 12. 
The largest known yield of other States, as compared 
with the average of Minnesota, is as follows : 

Year. Bn. per acre. 7qaq ^''- 1 Q """'" 

Minnesota... .I860 23.5 1 Michigan...... 1848 19 

Ohio 1850 17.3 I Massacliusetts,1849 16 . 

While we claim for Minnesota a pre-eminence as a 
wheat growing State, we must as frankly admit that 
it is inferior to other sections in milder climates lor 
raising corn. Yet the second report of the Commis- 
sioner of Statistics claims that Minnesota is inferior to 
none of the States as a corn producing region. 

In 1865 the wheat crop of Minnesota exceeded 
12,000,000 of bushels, somewhat more than forty-six 



SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 13 

bushels to each man, woman and child in the State, 
and yet over 11,000 of the gtrongest laborers were at 
that time in the army, reducing the working force by 
more than one half. The storied land of Pharaoh in 
its palmiest days, could not excel the land of " sky- 
tinted waters," and the valley of the Nile must yield 
the palm to the valley of the Mississippi. 

By an act of the State Legislature of March, 1858, 
it was provided that so much of a section of land in 
the town of Glencoe in McLeod county (described as 
section 16, township 115, range 28) as the State might 
purchase, and all lands adjacent not less than 320 
acres which might be donated, should be set apart as 
an experimental farm and a site for an agricultural 
college, to be under the control of the president and 
executive committee of the State Agricultural Society. 
The citizens of Glencoe donated 320 acres of land, but 
the State took no steps to carry out her ])art of the 
programme. At the last session of the Legislature an 
act was passed authorizing the uniting of the agricul- 
tural college lands to the State University and mak- 
ing agriculture one of the branches necessary to be 
taught in that institution. 

Though wheat is the staple product of Minnesota, 
other grains grow with luxuriance and are generally 
a sure crop. Barley flourishes well on the same soil 
that produces wheat, as the principal ingredients that 
compose one enter into the other. Eye and buck- 
wheat are generally considered a sure crop, yet very 
few farmers pay much attention to their cultivation„ 



^4 SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 

"The average yield of these grains for the years 1860 
and 1862 was as follows : 

I860. 1862. 

^YQ 21.56 bushels. 2 i. 00 bushels. 

Barlev 33.23 " 34.00 " 

BuckWheat 15.73 " 26.00 '• 

Potatoes, in this climate, attain their highest excel- 
lence, and in flavor and rich farinacious qualities are 
.superior to those of almost any other section, especially 
.those regions that are exposed to the rays of a scorch- 
in o- and forcing sun in more southern latitudes, where 
all tubers are brought to fruitification before they have 
had time to attain to their proper size, or receive the 
.essential qualities proper for nourishment. Already 
jare the Minnesota potatoes becoming a considerf^Lle 
.article of export to the States in the Mississippi valley, 
'r^vhere they are held in much esteem as a table deli- 
<cacy. Garden vegetables are produced in great abun- 
..dance and well repay the labor bestowed upon them. 

FRUIT RAISING 

{]ias heretofore been considered as an experiment of 

•'^^-ery doubtful success, but the experience of the past 

ifew years has decided in favor of fruit growing in Min- 

iinesota, and now the fact is well established that the 

Joardier kinds can be cultivated with success. When 

<we consider that many forms of wikl fruit are indigen- 

.ous to the soil, and are produced in great abundance 

!'.ki their wild state, it is not a great stretch of im- 

-agination to see cultivated fruits upon our tables which 

. are the products of our own farms and gardens. The 

' country being yet in an undeveloped state, and farm- 



SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 15* 

ers generally turning all their attention to wheat rais- 
ing, the advantages of cultivating fruit are not as gen- ■ 
erally known and appreciated as they will be whea 
the country becomes older and its resources more 
thoroughly, developed. There is no natural reason to 
suppose that fruit such as apples, crab apj^les, plums, 
grapes, currants, gooseberries, raspberries, cherries 
and the like, cannot be raised in as great abundance 
and possessing as delicate a flavor, Jkere in Minne- 
sota, especially in the southern portion, as in Wis- 
consin, Canada and ]^^ew England in the same lati- 
tude, or even further^north. 'We have no idea that 
fruits indigenous only to tropical climates will be 
produced here otherwise than in hot houses ; but we 
can conceive no reason why the hardier fruits and 
those produced in this latitude in any country should 
not be produced w^ith equal success in Minnesota. 

THEHEALTHFULNESS OF THE CLIMATE 

of Minnesota has long been a subject of comment and 
admiration, not only to the citizens of Minnesota but 
to the occasional visitor, the pleasure seeker, and the 
thousands of invalids who annually seek within her 
borders the health that has been denied them in lees 
favored localities. The entire exemption of malaria : 
and its attendant diseases, such as chills and fever, and 1 
all the train of bilious fevers, is an argument strongly 
in favor of the healthfulness of the climate ; as a large 
proportion of the diseases which affect mankind are > 
]3roduced by the poisonous exhalations from the earth, . 
and these are effectually destroyed by the low tempera- - 



16 SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 

ture of our winters that continue for a period of foui- 
months. But we do not propose to go into a scientific 
analysis of the atmosphere ©f Minnesota, though such 
an analysis would speak whole volumes in favor of the 
State, yet our limited space will only allow a mention 
of the fact which is supported by indubitable testimony 
that the climate of Minnesota is one of the healthiest 
in the world. It is sustained by the testimony of 
thousands who have received benefits from its bracing 
and invigorating atmosphere, and recovered from dis- 
eases that had baffled the skill of the best physicians in 
other States, as well as by the residents of the State 
for the past twenty years. The tables of mortality, 
when compared with those of other States, show a heavy 
balance in favor of Minnesota. As a beneficial resort 
for invalids it is probably not excelled by any in the 
Union, or any country on the globe. It used to be 
customary for physicians to recommend consumptive 
patients to go south; to some warmer climate — to 
Cuba, Florida, or some of the Islands of the sea, but 
finding these changes attended with but poor success, 
they have changed their tactics, and now almost uni- 
versally recommend a visit to Minnesota, which is 
generally attended with the most satisfactory results. 

WOOL OROWINQ 

has become quite an important feature in the indus- 
trial pursuits of the husbandman of Minnesota. In 
1860 the whole number of sheep in Minnesota was 
only 5,941 ; in 1864 there were 92,612, while in 1868 
it is estimated that there are not less than 200.000. 



SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. IT 

With wool bearing the price it has thus far, these 
sheep are the source of an immense revenue to the 
farmers and producers of this section of country. The 
grasses and herbage seem to be peculiarly adapted to 
the raising of sheep successfully. 

THE MANUFACTURING FACILITIES 

which it possesses are not excelled by the most 
favored locality of the known world. The im- 
mense water power of the Mississippi river at the 
Falls of St. Anthony is equal in extent to that of the 
whole water power of England and Scotland, and 
is said by experienced and competent engineers to be 
equal to 120,000 horse power. We give the following 
•extract from the second report of the Commissioner of 
Statistics, showing somewhat the extent and capacity 
of this power alone : 

•^'The available power created by this magnificent 
waterfall, is more than sufficient to drive all the 25,- 
000,000 spindles and 4,000 mills of England and 
Scotland combined. The entire machinery of the 
English Manchester and the American Lowell, if they 
could be transplanted here, would scarcely press upon 
its immense hydrauHc capabiUties. But as compared 
with these great industrial centres, the Falls of St. 
Anthony possess one decisive advantage, which is to a 
great extent illustrative of the functions of the State as 
a commercial and manufacturing emporium. This splen- 
did cataract forms the terminus of continuous naviga- 
tion on the Mississippi ; and the same waters whicli 
lavish on tlie j^roken ledges of limestone a strength 



18 SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 

almost sufficient to weave the garments of the world, 
may gather the products of its mills almost at their 
very doors, and distribute them to every part of the 
great valley of the Mississippi." 

The falls of the St. Louis river, twenty-five miles 
from where it empties into Lake Suj)erior are only 
second, and scarcely inferior to the Falls of St. An- 
thony in power and future availability. Situated as 
they are in the direct route of the Superior Eailroad 
from St. Paul, it cannot be long before they will be 
made to perform their share of the labor of the enter- 
prising and go-ahead operatives of Minnesota. The 
St. Croix Falls are similarly, though somewhat less 
advantageously situated on one of the largest tribu- 
taries of the Upper Mississippi river. Besides these 
three great powers there are innumerable smaller 
rivers and streams, affording sufficient power to operate 
mills and factories, scattered all over the State. This 
is really not to be wondered at when we consider the 
fact which we at first mentioned, that Minnesota is the 
highest land on the continent of America, and from 
her prominent position very naturally overlooks all 
her sister states and the infant territories. 

'Not the least of the advantages possessed by Minne- 
sota are the great facilities she possesses lor sending her 
products to market. The richness of her soil and the 
blandness of her climate, and her immense water 
power would be comparatively valueless in a commer- 
cial point of view, were she not connected with the 
great commercial emporiums of the world by accessi- 
ble and easy channels of trade. Lake Superior on the 



SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 19 

north; the great Pacific raih-oad connecting the Atlan- 
tic and Pacific; and the broad Mississippi sweeping 
downward to the Gulf of Mexico, bearing our ex- 
ports of the products of the earth, and lumber 
from our forests, and in return bringing cotton to sup- 
ply our factories, and the railroads to eastern cities, 
afford commercial facilities seldom if ever equalled. 

THE LINES OF TRAVEL 

throughout the State are always matters of much in- 
terest to parties visiting it either lor pleasure, or with 
a Yiew to settlement, and among the first will be 
reckoned the 

STEAMBOATS 

that ply up and down the Upper Mississippi. There 
are at the present time two competing lines, running 
boats between St. Louis and St. Paul. The North- 
western Packet Company or as it is more generally 
known ''Davidson's Line," which consists of some thirty 
or forty steamboats, that make up a daily line between 
• these cities and all intermediate points, and some run- 
ning on the St. Croix and Minnesota rivers, as well 
as a daily Hne between La Crosse in Wisconsin and 
Winona in this State, making connections with the 
railroads at each of these cities. The steamers are of 
the first class, and to persons who are not in too great 
a hurry to get to their destination, afford the pleasant- 
est mode of conveyance, as. the scenery along the river 
is varied and unsurpassed in loveliness by even the 
famous palisades of the Hudson, The Northern Line- 
has also a large number of first class boats plying he- 



20 SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 

tween the two cities, that are well freighted with pas- 
sengers and merchandise, so that travelers can have a 
choice of the competing lines of steamboats, or if they 
choose all rail route in coming to Minnesota, thej 
will come via Milwaukee, St. Paul & Minneapolis 
Kailroad, which is at present the only raih'oad in the 
State that has an eastern connection with other roads. 

THE RAILEOAD SYSTEM OF MINNESOTA 

is extensive for any State in so early a stage of its ex- 
istence. Congress made a grant to Minnesota, in 1857, 
of four and a half millions of land, to aid in the con- 
struction of railroads; and in 1864 still another grant 
was made. By these grants ten sections, or 6,400 
acres of land was given for each ten miles of road con- 
structed and put in operation, and projected under the 
proyisions of these grants, which projected roads were 
designed to benefit all parts of the State. 'We give be- 
low a synopsis of the different land grant roads in this 
State : 

ST. PAUL & PACIFIC EAILEOAD 

extends from Stillwater, on the St. Croix river, via St. 
Paul and St. Anthony, to the Western boundary of 
the State, at a point near Big Stone Lake. This line 
runs nearly through the center of the State Irom the 
eastern to the western boundary, 220 miles. The road 
is now in operation from St. Paul to Crow Kiver, a point 
about twenty-five miles west of Minneapolis, and thirty- 
five miles from St. Paul. A branch line of this road 
is in operation from St. Paul, via St. Anthony and 
Minneapolis to St. Cloud, a distance of seventy six 



SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 21 

miles. A line is also laid out from some point be- 
tween St. Cloud and Crow Wing, on the above road 
to Lake Superior, a distance of about 120 miles. 

THE MINNESOTA VALLEY RAILROAD 

is a line of road from St. Paul, up the valley of the 
Minnesota river to Mankato, thence in a southerly di- 
rection to the Iowa state line, to make connections at 
this point with a railroad from Sioux City, the termin- 
us of the northwestern branch of the Union Pacific 
Kailroad. The road is completed and in operation 
from St. Paul to Mankato, a distance of about one 
hundred miles. 

THE WINONA & ST, PETER RAILROAD 

extends from Winona on the Mississippi to the western 
boundary of the State, a distance of about 250 miles, 
and running through one of the most fertile regions 
of the far-famed Minnesota. The line is completed 
and in operation to Waseca, 105 miles from Winona. 
This road runs through a country boasting of as fine 
scenery as one will find in a day's travel. Ascending 
from the lovely basin or valley where rests the beauti- 
ful city of Winona, by an inclined track placed on 
trestle work, sometimes ninety or a hundred feet above 
the level of the ground ; then winding around the edge 
of a bluff, with overhanging chffs on one hand and a 
yawning chasm a hundred feet below on the other ; 
again plunging through "deep cuts," whose precipit- 
ous rocks on either side exclude the rays of the sun, 
when all at once the iron horse, pufiing and blowing, 
emerges into the glorious sunlight, and rocky gorge 



22 SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 

and delile and pleasant valley are all left behind, and 
a scene of unrivalled magnificence and splendor lies 
spread out to the .G;aze of the enraptured beholder. 
Miles on miles aT7ay in the distance, in either direction? 
extend the broad and fertile prairies, and as far as the 
eye can reach, covered with fields of wheat. And here 
and there, dotted over the prairie, the farm houses of 
the pioneers nestled among the growing wheat and 
corn, while to the westward are thriving villages and 
bustling cities, filled with commerce and the busy hum 
of industry and active life. 

THE SOUTHERN MIN^s'ESOTA RAILROAD 

is in operation as far as Eushford, in Fillmore county, 
about thirty miles from La Crescent, its point of start- 
ing. The line of the projected road extends from La 
Crescent through the southern tier of counties in Min- 
nesota to the western boundary of the State. Its length 
is somewhat over 250 miles, extending as it does 
through the entire State. The 

HASTINGS & DAKOTA RAILROAD 

is a projected line from Hastings through the counties 
of Dakota, Scott, Carver and McLeod, to a point on 
the western boundary of the State, near Big Stone 
Lake. The road is in the hands of an active company, 
and about twenty miles is already m operation, from 
Hastings as far as Farmington, its point of intersection 
with the Milwaukee, St. Paul and Minneapolis road. 
The ofiicers of this road are : President, Gen. Wm. 
G. Le Dug ; Land Commissioner, Wm. H. Kogers ; 
Chief Engineer, Col. S. B. Clough; Secretary, Col. 



SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 23 

C. II. L. Laiige; Treasurer, L. S. Follett. It has 
a land grant of 6,400 acres per mile, alternate sec- 
tions ten miles on each side of the road. This road 
connects with the St. P. & M. road at Farmington, 
twenty miles from Hastinir?, and forty miles brings it 
to a connection with tlie Minnesota Yalley road, near 
Carver, while the termination of the road is near the 
Salt Springs of Minnesota and Dakota, the whole line 
passes through a region unsurpassed for agricultural 
richness.. 

THE LAKE SUPERIOa & MISS. KAILEOAD 

is a line extending Irom St. Paul, on the Missippi riv- 
er, to the head of Lake Superior, with authority to con- 
nect with a branch to Superior City, Wisconsin. The 
head of Lake Superior is 150 miles from St. Paul, 
though the distance is only 133 miles to the navigable 
waters of the lake. The work is in active progress 
and some thirty miles are already fitted and supplied 
with rolHng stock and fully equipped for freight and 
travel. The projected line of the Pacific road from St. 
Paul to Stillwater has been transfered to the Missis- 
sippi & Superior road, and will be built at an early 
day. 

THE MILWAUKEE, ST. PAUL & MINNEAPOLIS RAILWAY 

commences both at Minneapolis and St. Paul, with a 
junction at Mendota, and runs through the towns of 
Farmington, ISTorthfield, Faribault, Owatonna, Austin, 
&c., to the Iowa line, then through Iowa to McGregor, 
and through Wisconsin to Milwaukee. It is made up 
of the Minnesota Central in Minnesota, McGreiror 



24: SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 

"Western in Iowa, and the Milwaukee & Prairie du 
Chien in Wisconsin, all of which are consolidated and 
operated by one company under tiie name of the Mil- 
waukee, St. Paul & Minneapolis Railway. This is at 
present the only all rail route to the east from any part 
of Minnesota, and is a very popular line of travel. 
This company operates about 656 miles of road in Min- 
nesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. The passenger cars and 
rolling stock are of the most approved styles in nse, 
and we can feel proud that we have so fine a railway 
under the control ol such gentlemanly and efficient 
management. 

THE CHICAGO & ST. PAUL EAILAVAY 

is a line running from St. Paul to Chicago on tlie west 
side of the Mississippi in Minnesota, and through the 
towns of Hastings, Red Wing, Lake City, Wabasha, 
Winona, &c. No portion of the road is yet built, but 
it is confidently expected that the work will be comple- 
ted during the year 1870, giving a direct rail route 
from St, Paul to Chicago. 

In addition to the various steamboat and railroad 
lines, there is probably the best organized system 
of staging ever put in operation in the West. Stage 
riding in the early days of the pioneers, and martyr- 
dom w^ere synonymous terms, but by the present 
mode, and the facilities for travel offered by the Min- 
nesota Stage Company, the thing is reduced to a 
science, and is only secondary to the railroad. This 
company run stages over nearly all the principal routes 
in the State where railroads have not superseded them. 



SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 25 

From St. Cloud to Fort Abercrombie, and from St. 
Paul to Lake Superior, aud seveial other routes of 
summer travel, while in winter, in addition to these, 
two or three stages are run daily between St. Paul 
and La Crosse, on the river route via Hastings, Red 
Wing, Lake Citj, Wabasha and Winona. Altogether 
this company run stages over about 1,700 miles of 
road, and employ some 250 men and about 800 horses. 
The company consists of Messrs. Russell Blakely and 
C. W. Carpenter. Some idea of the magnitude of 
the business of the stage lines of Minnesota may be 
gathered from the fact that this company alone paid 
the government, in 1865, as revenue tax, the sum of 
$12,134.34:. I^ichols & Cotter run stages over several 
routes in Southern Minnesota, and various other com- 
panies or private individuals, in other portions of the 
State, so that scarcely a town or hamlet in the State 
but may be reached by public conveyance. 

LAND GEANTS. 

In addition to the magnificent grants of land given 
to aid in the construction of railroads, there has been 
donated to the State to aid in xjublic improvements 
as follows: 

1 — 500,000 acres under the law giving that amount 
to each new State upon its admission into the Union. 

2 — Sections 16 and 36 in each township to aid in 
sustaining public schools, being one oigliteonth of all 
the lands in the State. 

S — Seventy-two sections (46,080 acres) tor the sup- 
port of a State University. 



26 SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 

4 — Ten sections (6,400 acres) for the erection of 
public buildings at the capital. 

5 — Twelve salt springs with six sections of land ad- 
jacent to each. 

6 — Five per cent, of the proceeds of all the lands 
sold after her admission into the Union. 
7 — All the swamp lands of the State. 
Making a total of the diiferent grants as follows : 

Upon admission into the Union $500,000 

For school purposes, about 2,888,000 

For State University 46,080 

For public buildings 6,400 

Land adjoining salt springs 46,080 

For railroads 4,399,141 

Swamp lands, about 5,000,0C0 

Making totalland grant 12,885,701 

]S"early one-fourth of all her territory. 

THE PROSPERITY OF MINNESOTA 

is perhaps as well illustrated as could be, by the fol- 
lowing extract from the American Reporter or British 
Emigrant's Guide, published in New York for circu- 
lation in England, Ireland and Scotland : 

"The world has never seen new States springing 
into a sudden existence, so full of vigor and prosper- 
ity, and so sure of steady progress and brilliant future, 
as the Northwestern States of the Federal Union. 

The names of Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, 
Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, have become, and de- 
servedly become, for millions in the Old World, sym- 
bols of an inexhaustible mine of wealth and happi- 
ness. 



SKETCH OF MIXXESOTA. 27 

Of course their progress during the luiir terrible 
years of war which has now fortunately ceased, could 
not be what it was in that period preceding the war. 
There has never been a country in whicli a war like 
our late rebellion did not prove a heavy drain. But 
if anything could conclusively prove to the people of 
the old world the indestructible vitality of the new 
States referred to, it is their progress during the years 
of war. Most of them took a census in tlie years 1864 
and 1SG5, and the results of the censuses establish, the 
astounding f^ict that the increase of these States from. 
1860 to 1865 lias been, in spite of the war, more 
rapid than that of the most flourishing States of Eu- 
rope. So tar as we have learned, the censuses held 
in iSGl: and 1865 irave the following results: 

States. Cer.siis of IS'iO. Cen.sus of IS^l."). Per c^ of inc. 

Minnesota 172,622 248,848 40 

Illinois ....1,7L,951 2,163,000 27 

Wisconsin 775,871 868,847 12 

Iowa 674,048 754,501 ll.ll 

Michigan .' 749,113 805,379 7 5 

This shows an average annual increase for Minne- 
sota of 8 per cent. ; for Illinois of 5.4 per cent. ; for 
Wisconsin of 2.4 per cent. ; for Iowa of 2.1 per cent. ; 
for Michigan of 1.0 per cent. ; a result whicli most fa- 
vorably compares with the progress of population in 
the most populous States of Europe. With the popu- 
lation, the increase in w^ealth and prosperity has kept 
pace. 

The messages which the Governors of these States 
sent to the several legislatures in January of the year 
1865 unroll a picture of satisfactory progress in all 
3 ^ " ^ 



28 SKETCH OF MIN^■ESOTi^. 

departments of public life. We liave v.o space to re- 
view them all, but take one, that of the Governor of 
Minnesota, as a specimen. The receipNs of this State 
for the year ISGtt were $tl-80,120 and the expenditures 
$416,000, leaving a balance on liaiid of $72,000. 

The floating debt, the Governor announces, has 
been cancelled. Entries in the various land oflices in 
the year amounted to 804-,9Sl an increase of 139,232 
acres over the previous year, and including railroad 
lands, one miUion acres were sold in 18(j5. The logs 
scaled reached the enormous numlier of 237,833,252 
feet, an increase of 159,670 338 over 1S64:. Of school 
lands, 2i,131.77 acres sold for $ 143,955.05. The 
school fund already lacks less than seventeen thousand 
of reaching a million dollars,- and if tlie remainder of 
the lands sell at the same rate, will reach sixteen 
millions. The railroads are in a ilourishing condition, 
210 miles being already completed, and 132 more par- 
tially finished. In 1860 the State had 532,315 acres 
ill wheat, and the number of bushels harvested was 
5,101,332 ; in 1865 the number of the tormer had in- 
creased to 800,000, and that of the latter to 12,000,000. 

Now we may safely challenge Europe to show us 
any State equaling these statistics. And let our friends 
in Great Britain always bear in mind that the above 
figures show the development of this State during a 
war the like of whicli the world has rarely seen, and 
which in the opinion of the most famous statesmen 
and financiers of Europe, was infallibly to terminate 
in the dissolution of the Union, and the utter prostra- 
tion and bankruptcy of the dissf>lved ]>arts." 



SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 



The progress in population, wealtli and prosperity 
during the last three years will show a much larger 
per cent, of increase than that already given. So great 
has been the tide of immigration^that it is entirely safe 
to set down the population in 1868 at half a million. 



CENSUS OF Mi:t^]^ESOT^, 



THE CITIES OF MINNESOTA. 

Sfc; Paul 13Q12 

Minneapolis 4 608 

St. Anthony City 3492 

Winona [/,][[][ 4*439 

Eochester _ _ 2 663 

Mankato, city and town 2'653 

Hastings .W. 2',489 

Redwing 2,360 

Faribault 2 339 

Stillwater City 2'l4'S 

St. Cloud ...■.■.■;.■:.■.■.':::,■ aoes 



MISCELLANEOUS STATISTICS. 

Soldiers in actual service, June 1st 8319 

Colored persons ' ^"^g 

Deaf and dumb '*' ^^^4 

Blind 38 

Insane 170 

Idiotic o 

• t> 



?,0 SKETCH OF MINKESOTA. 

Population in 1865, 248,818, a Gain of 77,494 in Five Tears. 



lYe publisli lierewiUi a complete, and wc believe, ac- 
curate digest of the State census of 1865: 

KECAPITCLATION BY COUNTIES. 

(-(inntv Totals. 3Iales. Females. Families. 

Anoka"" '■ 2,2;>4 l,m IM^ 451 

BSSton::::::::;. 503 an m m 

Blu^Earth i>,245 5,018 4,227 1,711 

-Brown'.':.^ Om 1,200 1,009 416 

Carlton 28 Ih 12 10 

k^;"". S,T04 4,558 4,14G 1,700 

pJs^ :•;■. 87 23 15 13 

^.f't° 30 IS 12 17 

f)'lJoti 12,475 0,562 5,014 2,228 

-nort"e '. «.220 3,25G 2.9f)4 1,185 

Pflribauit ' 4.737 2,519 2,213 92G 

Sno?e . 1'3',545 133 8 412 3,234 

FreSora ■■■.".■.■.:. 5 679 2:986 2,592 1,111 

tiodhue.; . 14,880 7,796 7,0S4 2,833 

Tpnnenin : • 17,016 8,8U 8,205 3,055 

liousK.:::.::: 9:792 5,039 4,703 1,755 



Isanti 



453 239 214 93 



-lackson 333 195 188 71 

r o w 154 70 78 -jO 

le Sueur""' 7,832 4,074 3,758 1,4G2 

MaBOm'iu 11^7 fi^ 50 19 

SicW 2,550 1,383 1,167 496 

Meeker ".■.■;;.. 1 219 643 576 aU 

MmeLac 331 177 150 69 

Sloriison".'.".':. 'ra8 430 356 14S 

NIower 5,174 2,740 2,437 1,026 

NMcolie^ '. 5,023 2,616 2,407 936 

of2=<'-^d 15,116 8,019 7,157 2,711 

^&:1::.::.:::. 55 34 21 10 



.15,143 7,641 7,502 2,645 

Ecdwood. «5 63 



ii':f,fj"< ••■•■";::.;:■:::' 95 '63 '32 'is 



v,>p'' ." 10,977 5,859 5,11s 2,lir 

o3^T "Vi" 294 168 126 61 

Scott. 
Sherburne. 



8,576 4,477 4,098 1,663 

819 43S 381 158 



^^w7v" 4,68;i 2,528 2,1.55 932 

5JS 7,337 8,862 3,575 1.414 

Stc?!?" 4,83J 2,606 2,326 9S4 

S 11' *>'J 48 26 

WaWha .■.■.■. v..: 10,167 5,223 4.814 ^1,614 

mS":::::::::::::: • 4,164 2,129 2,035 782 

^^S^, :•;;:•••::::::::•::::::.:::::: 6JS ^)!^ s.m i^l 

Wut^^P 15 277 7,987 7.290 2,888 

^ghi':::::::::;:::.:: .::;::::::;:::::::::::::::: 5:^28 _2jo7 _2^i 944 

,p -,, 218,848 129,653 119,195 46,128 



SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 



31 



The increase in population in the cities has been, 
within the past three years, in many cases over 100 
per cent, of actual residents and men of capital, who 
have added largely to the wealth and business. The 
present population of the cities named is estimated tr- 
be about as follows : 

St. Paul.... : 20,000 

Minneapolis > -^^-^^^^ 

St. Anthony ^.OOlh 

Winona ^,000 

Rochester •- f,0^0 

^lankato, -'500 

Hastings 3,800 



Red Win 



5,000 



° 3,600 



Faribault 

Stillwatei 

St.Clond. 4,000 



Stillwater, 3,000 



PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE STATE. 

Though comparatively in her infancy, Minnesota 
has taken long strides in the right direction, in the 
educational department, and will even at this earh 
stage of her existence, compare favorably with many 
of "the older States. Possessing as she does the most 
munificent endowment for educational purposes of any 
State in the Union; two sections of land to each town 
ship in the State are set apart, either for sale or 
lease, to aid in sustaining common schools— 128(' 
acres to each township in the whole State, amounting 
in the aggregate to over two and a half millions ol 
acres, just one eighteenth of all the land in the State. 
We give below a few figureo in relation to this de 



/S2 



SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 



partnient, which we gather from the last annual report 
of the Superintendent of Public instruction: 

Number of districts in the State in 1867 2,207 

Number of children between 5 and 25 114421 

Number of teachers employed in 1867 2'685 

-Amount of money paid teachers $264,986.76 

Number of school houses in the State '..1,406 

Amount received from State school fund $167,863.50 

Amount expended for school purposes 736,532.67 

.Amount remaining in district treasuries 50,'556!o9 

An act of the Legislature, passed August 2, 1858, 
provided for the establishment of three State Normal 
-Schools, one within five years, a second within ten, 
and a third within fifteen years from the date of the 
act. For each of these the act provided for an appro- 
l^riation of S5,000^whenever a like sum should be do- 
nated for that purpose. The citizens of Winona, in 
•accordance with these requirements, donated the 
amount, and the first of the Normal Schools w^as estab- 
iished in that city. The second has been located at 
Mankato, and the third at St. Cloud. The school at 
Winona is in active operation and is meeting with 
«iicli success as first class teachers, endowed with 
energy, perseverance, and a will to succeed usually 
attain. It ranks among the first literary institutions of 
the country, 

THE STATE UNIVERSITY 

ests upon the foundation of a grant by Congress ot 
^46,000 acres of the public lands. The Territorial 

Legislature of 1851 passed "An act to incorporate the 
.University of Minnesota, at the Falls of St. Anthony," 
p roviding that the proceeds of the Congressional land 



34 SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 

grant shall remain a perpetual fund for its support, 
and vesting the administration of the fund and trust- 
ship of the institution in a hoard of twelve regents 
to be elected hy the Legislature. The site embraces a 
block of land, covered with a grove of native oaks, and 
overlooking the picturesque scenery of St. Anthony 
Falls, the ''Bridal Yeil," and the cities of St. Anthony 
and Minneapolis, with all the life and activity of their 
numerous mills, factories, tfec. and is capable of such 
embellishn'ient as to make it one of the most beautiful 
of any of the public institutions either East or "West. 
The building is not yet entirely completed. The one 
wing which is completed has cost somewhere between 
850,000 and $60,000, and will accommodate about 120 
students. For a time after the preyont edifice was 
built a heavy burden of debt hung over the institution, 
but judicious management of the present board of re- 
gents has removed the indebtedness and ]eil it tree 
from incumbrance, v/ith some 34,000 acres of land still 
left to aid. in the completion ot the building and sus- 
tain the schools, which at a moderate valuation will 
soon be worth, in the market, at least $340,000. A 
school of a high order has been established under the 
direction of Prof W. W. Washburn, and some eighty 
or ninety pupils are in attendance anrl receiving the 
benefits of a thorough collegiate course of instruction- 
B}^ an act of the Legislature, approved March 9, 1867, 
the sum of $15,000 was appropriated, "to be expended 
in repairing and furnisliing the University building, 
and employing a teacher or teacl.crs, for the purpose 
of commencing the grammar and normal (U^]xirtments. 



SKKTCII OF MINNESOTA. 35 

This fund lias been jiidiclonsly expended under tlie 
direction of the board of regents, in the opening up and 
establishment of the school. 

If the State contains 54,000,000 acres, the school 
lands will amount to $10,888,885, a really magnificent 
fund for a State not yet in her teens. The State Su- 
perintendent of Public Instruction, in his report to the 
last Legislature, says : 

" The youth of Minnesota for the years and genera- 
tions to come, will owe unceasing gratitude to the fed- 
eral government for this munificent provision for their 
education. It is a cause of profound congratulation 
that the State, at the right time, inaugurated so wise a 
policy for its management. The most propitious re- 
sults have come from that policy, and they are largely 
due to the intelligence and fidelity of the present State 
Auditor. The time may come in the history of the 
State when further safeguards to the fund may be 
needed. I would respectfully recommend that it be 
made the duty of the State Auditor to make to the 
Superintendent of Public Instruction an annual report 
of the condition of the fund, sotting forth the kind and 
amount of all securities in which the same be invested, 
giving the amount of each class, cash on hand and 
amount of notes held lor LitkIs sold." 

In addition to this generous fund from the general 
government, the Legislature of the State has made it 
the duty of the county comniission(;rs to levy an 
ann^ual tax of one-fifth of one per cent, on all the tax- 
able property in the State, which sum is appropriated 



■36 SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 

to maintaining public schools. The amount collected 
from the two mill tax in 186Y, was $144,935.88. 

By an act of the Legislature of 1868, tlie Agricul- 
tural College land grant was attached to the State 
University, and the opening of an agricultural depart- 
ment in that institution becomes the (hity of the re- 
gents. 

In addition to the facilities already mentioned we 
must not neglect to mention the establishment in 1857 
of an educational journal called the Minnesota Teacher, 
the design of which is to assist teachers and impress 
upon them the great importance of keeping thoroughly 
accjuainted with all the new developments in the art of 
teaching, and making a higher standard of educational 
excellence a first and essential qualification for a 
teacher. Mr. W. W. Payne, the publisher, is an en- 
thusiastic educator, and has made the people of the 
State feel that the publication of the Teacher is really 
essential to the educational interests of the State. 

THE DEAF, DUMB AND BLIND INSTITUTE 

is located at Faribault, a beautiful town in the interior 
of the State, and is very successfully meeting the- 
wants of those for whom the State has made this very 
liberal provision. aSo benevolent institution more un- 
mistakably marks the Christian character of our popu- 
lation than that which seeks to let the light of science 
into the minds of those whose physical vision is dark- 
ened and whose ears have never heard the sweet 
sounds tliat make ghad the hearts of those more favored 



SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 37 

children of nature. It i3 a great pleasure that we can 
make mention of this institute, one of the educational 
agencies of our young State, as being in successful 
operation, and that a large number of the unfortunates 
of this class are receiving instruction, preparing them 
for making themselves comparatjlvely independent in 
the great struggle of life. And the building shall be, 
so long as it shall stand, one of the State's noblest 
monuments of love and Christian benevolence to those 
who never fail to touch the sympathy or receive the 
iiealing word of the great Worker of Miracles. 

Another benevolent institution, "the Hospital for the 
Insane, is located at St. Peter, and is under JK- 
dicious management and affording relief to a large 
number of poor unfortunates, whose light ot reason 
has been darkened or utterly obscured. This is a 
public institution, founded and supported by the State. 

There are various chartered institutions of learning 
supported by private enterprise, and several of a de- 
nominational character, whicli are doing much in ad- 
vancing the educational interests of the States. 



THE MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 

The Minnesota Historical Society was instituted in 
1849, shortly after the organization of the Territor}^ 
and incorporated by the first session of the Territorial 
Legislature. Its object was to collect and preserve 
material for the future history of the territory and 
State; to record the memoirs and accounts of the ad- 
ventures of the pioneers of this region ; collect curiosi- 
ties and information relative to the aborisfinal inhabi- 



SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 

tants of Minnesota, ai:d the manners, cnstonis and re- 
ligion of the present Indian tribes ; a geological and 
mineral cabinet; and to carefully preserve a copy of 
every book, pamphlet and newspaper pnblished in the 
State, or elsewhere, relating to it. 

For several years the library of the Society did not 
increase much, as its resources and membership were 
small. It is now rapidly increasing, however, and 
comprises a very valuable collection of rare works, now 
over 2,000 bound volumes and 3,500 pamphlets, vrith 
about a hundred volumes of bound newspapers, a 
number of maps, engravings and manuscripts, about 
1,200 articles in the cabinet, and quite a good collec- 
tion of portraits of the early pioneers of the State. 
Its rooms and the use of its library is free to all. 

The Society comprises about 200 members. It has 
commodious fire-proof rooms in tlie capital, and the 
State grants it a small annual appropriation to pay its 
incidental expenses. With more enlarged means, 
the Historical Society can soon collect the largest and 
jnost valuable library in the State. Donations of 
books, pamphlets, newspapers, Szc, are earnestly so- 
licited. They can be directed to J. Fletcher Williams, 
Esq., Secretary and Librarian of the Society, St. Paul. 

STATE GOVERNMENT. 

The State government is at present made up as 
follows : 

Governor — William R. Marshall, Eamsey county. 
Lieut. Gov. — Thos. 11. Armstrong, Olmsted county. 
Secretary of State — II. C. Rogers, Mower county. 



SKETCH Oh- MIXXKbO'iW 



State Treasurer — Emil Munch, Pine euuutj. 

Attorney General — F. R. E. Cornell, Hennepin Co. 

Auditor — Charles McIUrath, Eamsey county. 

Chief Justice — Thomas Wilson, Winona county. 

Associate Justices — S. J. E. McMillan, Washington 
county ; E. II, Berry, Rico connty. 

Clerk of Supreme Court — S. Hough, Ramsey county. 

Superintendent of Public Instruction — Mark II. 
Bunnell, Steele cuunty. 

Governor's Private Secretary — S. P. Jennison, 
Ramsey county.. 

State Librarian — Mrs. M. R. Sujith, Hennepin Co. 

THE SCENEKY 

of Minnesota is imsurpassed for beauty and loveliness 
by that of any country in the world. The high blufis 
along the banks of the Mississippi in a northwesterly 
direction from the south lino of the State to the Falls 
of St. Anthony, furnish some of the finest and most 
sublime spectacles that ever inspired poetic ardor or 
furnished theme for an artist's pencil. Here high, 
craggy rocks, like the ruins of an embattled tower, 
hanging over the waters of the Mississippi, as they 
go flowing downward to the gulf, there a lovely valley 
stretching backward to the continuous range of hills in 
the distance, forming a natural site for a quiet village 
or bustling city, while scattered about over the prairies 
and woodlands are innumerable lakes of various mag- 
nitudes, which when viewed from some hill top or 
cupola of some high building their waters glistening 
in the rays of the golden sun appear to the eyes of the 



40 SKETCn OF MINJN'ESOTA. 

enchanted and entlinsiastic beholder like bright stars 
in the diadem of the queen of beautiful landscapes,, or 
a necklace of diamonds on filaments of silver, thrown 
with a graceful abandon over the bosom of our mother 
earth, or a diadem of pearls to crown the masterpiece 
of nature's clioicest handiwork. 

Gen. Sibley, who was one of the first white settlers 
west of the Mississippi river, and gazed upon the 
scenes in all their primitive beauty, and loveliness, 
speaks enthusiastically of the scenery. We have been 
kindly allowed the following extract from his journal : 

"It has been my fortune to visit at onetime or 
another almost every part of our widely extended 
State lying on the west of the Mississippi river. The 
area nov/ comprised in the southern counties was my 
hunting ground year after year. I have ascended the 
Minnesota Yalley to its termination, and have roamed 
along the shores of the magnificent lakes of the Kan- 
diyohi region, and those northwest towai'ds the Eed 
river. I have traversed the prairies between Fort 
Eids^ely and Mankato, south to the boundary of 
Iowa, and I have stood by the far off iron monuments 
which mark the boundary between Minnesota and the 
Territory of Dakota, and yet to this moment I am un- 
able to decide which section is the most beautiful and 
attractive. Like the individual who finds himself sur- 
rounded by a bevy of fair maidens, equal in charms 
but of different styles of loveliness, and adjudges the 
palm to the one he looks upon till his eye rests upon 
another, to be dazzled in turn by her attractions. So 
I, after gazinrj: at the scenery in different ]>aris of the 



SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 41 

State successively, liave asked inyselt each time the 
question, " Where can a more inviting region be found 
upon the earth ? •' Each landscape has seemed unap- 
proachable in its perfection, and the symmetry of its 
proportions, until another, its peer in all respects, haS' 
extracted the same measure of unqualified admira- 
tion." 

From St. Paul and Minneapolis lor a distance of 
many miles the points of interest are very numerous^ 
The great number of lakes, Calhoun, Harriet, Minne- 
tonka. White Bear, Como and a great many others, in 
connection with the various other objects ot interest, 
make those cities noted places of resort for pleasure 
and health-seekers. It really is not to be wondered at 
that people worn and weary in body and mind with 
the cares of business and the dust and noise ot eastern 
cities, should seek the pure and liealth-giving breezes 
of Minnesota, and that having once festc-d their fresh- 
ness and life-inspiring influences they conchide to say 
good-bye to the land of the pilgrims, and take up their 
residence in the land of sky-tinted waters. 

One cannot look upon the wondrous l-LMiity and 
sublimity of this portion of God's glorious heritage to 
man, without drawling nearer to and loving witli a 
deeper reverence the Divine Original, and still as we 
gaze, we look with fear and trembling through na- 
ture and all of nature's works to see the hand of na- 
ture's God. 

"Faraway in the west where I lie ' big waters ' ri.se, 
And the fan- verdant earth meets the bhie-vaulted skie.^, 
Where the graceful fawn gambols o'er flowery iilain. 
Or flies from the swift-vine-ed arrow in vain. 




lii 




mm 



t 



SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 43 

On scenes that are fairer the sun never shone — 

'Tis the land of great beauty — our own chosen home, 

Here anthems of Nature, sonorous and clear, 

In the Falls of St. Anthony rise on the ear, 

And sweet Minne-ha-ha, with a laugh and a leap, 

Glides on to the river with a lullaby sweet, 

And bright Minnetonka, where 'big waters' play, 

In their silvery sheen, at the close of the day ; 

Lakes Calhoun, and Lake Harriet, and the Lake of the Isles, 

Where Nature in beauty wreathes the landscape in smiles." 

As long ago as 1680 Louis Hennepin, a Jesuit mis- 
sionary, ascended the Mississippi to the Falls of St. 
Anthony, and struck with awe and astonishment at 
the multitude of waters plunging down the Cataract 
which he describes as being sixty feet high, he named 
them after his patron saint, Anthony of Padua. Doubt- 
less at this time the falls w^ere much lower down the 
stream than at present, as Carver describes them in 
17f6, nearly a century later, as much lower down the 
river than tkey are now. The following extract from 
his journal in regard to the appearance of the falls will 
iipt be uninteresting : 

*' This amazinoj body of waters, which are about 
two hundred and fifty yards wide, form a most pleas- 
ing cat-aract. They fall perpendicularly about thirty 
feet, and the rapids below, in the space of three huii- 
dred yardte more, render the descent much greater, so 
that when viewed at a distance they appear to be much 
higher than they really are. In the middle of the 
falls stands a small Island, about forty feet broad, and 
somewhat longer, on which grow a few cragged hem- 
lock and spruce trees. These falls vary very much froip. 
all the others wdiich I have seen, as you may approach 
close to them without meeting with any obstructions 
4 



44 



SKETCH OF MINJSiESOTA. 



from any intervening hill or precipice. The country 
around them is very beautiful. It is not an uninter- 
rupted plain, Avhere'the eye finds no relief, but is com- 
posed of many gentle ascents, which in the summer 
are covered with the finest verdure, and interspersed 
with little groves that give a pleasing variety to the 
prospect. On the whole, when the falls are included, 
which may be seen at a distance of four miles, a more 
pleasing and picturesque view cannot. I believe, be 
found throughout the universe." 

Since that time the action of the w^aters has broke 
the rocks, so that the falls have receded several rods, 
and the little island spoken of as in the middle of the 
falls, is now some distance below. 

The Suspension Bridge across the main body of the 
river, and spanning the waters from the west bank to 
Nicollet Island is one of the curiosities that pleasure 
seekers are wont to gaze upon with wonder and ad- 
miration. It is a fine structure, and does credit to the 
enterprise and intelligence of the peoj^le of the dual 
city. 

THE FALLS OF MINNEHAHA, 
immortaUzed in song by Longfellow's musical jargon 
of alliterative, rippling words, is perhaps the most 
noted of all the pleasure resorts in the Northwest, and 
is one of the most enchanting waterfalls that ever 
danced to fairy music, or formed a screen of spray in 
the golden sunlight. The stream that furnishes the 
water power for this poetry of motion, and silvery 
rippling of music, is the outlet of the wood embowered 
Minnetonka. Born in the bower of beauty, it threads 






-y 



SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 45 

its way along over pleas- 
ant prairies, playing witli 
^ its mossy banks, till it ar- 
^f^T i"ives near the precipice 
'^'"■'''- where, like a careless, 
'happy child, it glides 
laughingly along, and in 
., one silvery sheet, floats to 
-^the bottom of the glen 
cand loses itself in a flood 
l^of joyous melody. We 
S^xlo not wonder at the 
'\nrime, for, according to 
-:^'^^^s^'^'^''^i&^-^^ ' t^iG eternal fltness of 
things, Minnehaha is the laughing water. 

"When o'er the prairie first 

The Indian trod, 
And on his vision burst 

This work of God, 
No wonder he should claim it, 

A lovely sight, 
A laughing sprite. 

And shouting forth should name it, 
With wrapt delight, 

Minnehaha." 

Come with us to the edge of the chasm, and 
see the laughing Jlinne, as she kisses the rock 
good-bye, and, like some fairy sprite, changes to a 
misty veil, floating, with a ha-ha, to the rocky 
gorge below. Half way down the defile is a fine 
stand point, where one may drink in the won- 
drous beauty of the mystic waterfall. 

How many a heart with sorrow laden has gazed, 
through moistened eyes, upon the fiilling water, and 



.^6 SKETCH OF MINNESOTA. 

sighed for the hopes and joys, the pleasures and antici- 
pations of days lang syne^ while memory stands tug- 
ging at the door of bygones, which are all faithfully 
mirrorred in the miniature cataract. Memory rolls 
backward the chariot wheels of time, and childhood 
with its gloved '^associations comes floating down the 
misty cataract, the faces of dear ones long since min- 
gled with^the dust ; and the eye grows dim the while 
xthe heart holds sweet communion with departed joys, 
-.and sunshine and^ happiness flow in nj^on and fill to 
* overflowing the heart, oowed and broken by care and 
•sadness. I^ot long since two romantic couples were 
.united in the bonds of matrimony behind the misty 
•'Sreil of flowing water, and the cascade has become a 
.bridal veil, mirroring the sunshine of happiness and 
perrenial joys of wedded bhss. The song of the 
- " laughing water " is a song of praise as well as tri- 
iUmph; the spontaneous outburst of nature's joy as- 
cending to the throne of God. And still the laughing 
sprite glides on, beneath the rustic bridge, and plays 
bo-peep among the mosses, the stones and the trees, 
'till it finds its way- to the mighty Mississippi, loses 
iitself in the rushing tide, and is no more the ''laugh- 
ing water." 



DAKOTA county; 




'ERHAPS the eye of man never rested on a? 
spot of land better fitted to supply his material^ 
wants and meet the necessities of his natnxe 
since shut out from the original Eden, than are 
some portions of Minnesota; and some parts of Dakota 
county cannot be excelled for fertility of soil, beauty of^ 
landscape, and healthfulness of climate by any country 
on the face of the globe. A moderate climate, exhil" 
erating atmosphere, and a soil whose productions are- 
almost boundless, added to one of the finest commer- 
cial locations in the State, make this county one of'- 
the most prominent and favored in the State. 

Persons who possess a reasonably active imagina- 
tion, and minds somewhat educated to appreciate th& 
beautiful in nature can picture to themselves a district 
of country of some six or seven hundred square miles 
in extent, entirely destitute of lofty mountains or evesr 
high hills, except along the Mississippi river, yet witt 
a gently undulating surface covered with rich herbage, 
and in summer time with the various hued flowers 
that abound in such profusion on the Western prairies^ - 
intermingled with blossoming and fruit bearing shruTw • 



48 HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 

groves of native oaks like some old-time orchard, .with 
here and there a long stretch or glade of natural 
meadow land, affording vast quantities of hay for the 
keeping of stock. Again as far as the eye can reach, 
until the view is lost in the blue distance beyond, lies 
spread out a beautiful swelling prairie, whose fruitful 
soil only needs the caressing care of the husbandman 
to make it bring forth an hundred fold of all the 
choice fruits of the earth, and fill his granaries with 
golden grain and his pockets with material wealth. 
There seems to be literally no exhaustion to the gen- 
erous soi], and as the years roll around there comes 
not only ^' seed time and harvest," but at harvest time 
a return far in advance of what the most sanguine 
generally anticipate, and year by year the agricultural, 
mechanical and commercial operations are doubled 
and even quadrupled, to meet the wants of the grow- 
ing prosperity of the country. When we reflect that 
the germs of the future in latent embryo are contained 
in the bosom of the present ; that to-day is ever giving 
color and character and shaping the destinies of to- 
morrow, we have only to examine the vast resources 
of wealth and material prosperity that lie hidden in 
the recesses of nature's great storehouse ; the raw ma- 
terial with which the couuty is supplied and the apti- 
tude of the people to lay hold of these natural advan- 
tages and turn them to the most profitable use, to 
form some conception of what tlie future of this county 
may realize. Looking backward for only a few short 
years from the present, and no signs of civilization 
greet the vision ; no human habitations save the 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 49 

wigwams of the red men, who have imlimited and un- 
disputed sway and control of all those vast prairies ; 
their trails as they go farther west to their hunting 
grounds, are the only roads that mark the tread of hu- 
man feet ; their bark canoes the only craft that cleave 
the waters of tliQ rivers and lakes ; their council fires 
lighting up the evening sky, and the savage war-whoop 
breaking the stillness of the otherwise silent prairies, 
and we may see a truthful picture of most of Dakota 
county previous to its settlement by civilized people in 
1853. Some fifteen years have passed, and we look 
again. The magic wand of civilization has been 
moved over the prairies, the openings, and the timber, 
and behold the change. Art and science have com- 
bined with the spirit of modern energy and enter- 
prise, and covered the face of the country with culti« 
vated fields and flowering gardens ; has made roads 
and built bridges, and dotted the prairies with pleas- 
ant dwellings for homes, and elegant school houses for 
the education of the rising generation, and has reduced 
the wilderness to enclosed fields, thriving villages and 
the busy bustling city. In looking through the record 
of these almost present yesterdays we seem to be rev- 
eling in a kind of waking dream, the shifting pano- 
rama of succeeding days nearly dazes and blinds the 
comprehension, and were it not for the busy realities 
that everywhere surround us, we should almost deem 
it were a dream, for " life is oft so like a dream we 
know not where we are." 

To the dull plodders of the East, the transformation 
seems almost the work of a miracle, and gazing with 



50 niSTOPwY OF DAKOTA COUJsTY. 

open-eyed wonder, tliey more than half suspect that 
some powerful geni with his magic wand has passed 
over the country, and produced these startling results; 
but the spirit of adventure, combined with first class 
Yankee ingenuity marked the 2)roblem, and "Western 
perseverance solved it. Men of independent mind and 
effort, with hearts throbbing with cheerful hope; men 
of nerve and muscle, "with a heart for any fate," an 
invincible determination to conquer all adverse circum- 
stances, and hands wilHng and eager to demonstrate 
the fact, have looked out and made their homes on the 
fertile prairies that lie spread out so invitingly to the 
eye of the beholder. Beneath the tough web of the 
sward lay one vast garden, pregnant with all the rich 
fruits and golden grains ; a mine of incomparably great- 
er wealth than the richest veins of golden ore. This 
capital has been brought into active use by the ener- 
jjies of the toilino- thousands who have turned the waste 
of wilderness into fertile fields, and the treasures of the 
earth into channels to contribute to the happiness of 
man. And yet, the present importance and wealth 
are but the development of an insignificant portion of 
its real capacity ; v/hile vast unfurrowed fields still clad 
in the vestments of nature's primal beauty, invite the 
tillers of the soil to a closer acquaintanceship, and prom- 
ise a rich reward for all the labor bestowed in their 
cultivation. At no time since the first settlement of 
the country have there been greater inducements to 
the agriculturist, the artisan, or the capitalist, to make 
homes within her borders, and it needs no j^rophet's 
tongue to tell that in the future there awaits unsurpassed 



HISTOET OF DAKOTA COUNTY. , 51 

prosperity, and a golden harvest for those who labor 
assiduously for that development. If the exertions and 
never-ceasing activities of the people are judiciously 
expended, a brilliant future awaits them. The Great 
Proprietor has dealt out to them of the garnered treas- 
ures of the earth with a more than bountiful liand, in 
fertility of soil, springs and streams of water, the facil- 
ities of communication, that reach nearly every town 
in the county, and make it one of the most accessible in 
the State. The natural communication and primal 
one is by way of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers 
which bound the county on the north and east, afford- 
ing rare shipping facilities for all the productions of the 
soil, and for bringing merchandise to . their homes. 
The next is the Milwaukee, St. Paul & Minneapolis 
railroad which enters the county at the northern ex- 
tremity at Mendota, and runs through the entire length 
from north to south, having five stations within the 
limits of the county, viz : Mendota, Westcott, Rose- 
mount, Farmington, and Castle Pock. This road is at 
present the only one in the State having a direct east- 
ern communication, and is consequently the principal 
thoroughfare through the State. The Hastings & Da- 
kota Pailroad is a line running from Hastings west 
through the whole county, and crossing the Milwaukee, 
St. Paul & Minneapolis road at Farmington. Twenty 
miles of this road are completed and the cars running 
thereon. The St. Paul & Chicago Railway also runs 
through a portion of the county, crossing the Missis- 
sippi river at Hastings. The Minnesota Yalley Rail- 
road, starting at St. Paul, runs through the county on 



52 HISTORY OF DAKATA COUNTY. 

the northern line, connecting with the Milwaukee, St. 
Paul & Minneapolis road at Mendota, and has three 
stations within the county. Navigable rivers bound- 
ing it on the north and east, and four diflerent lines ol 
railroad running through it, gives commercial commu- 
nications unsurpassed by any of equal extent of coun- 
try on the continent. 

Dakota county lies on the east side of the Mississip- 
pi river, directly opposite where the St. Croix river 
empties into it, and where the Mississippi river com- 
mences the task of dividing the States of Minnesota 
and Wisconsin, the great river having till this time 
passed entirely over Minnesota soil. On the north the 
Minnesota river divides Dakota from Hennepin coun- 
ty, Scott and Rice counties lying on the west, and Rice 
and Goodhue on the south. These are the general 
boundaries, though Dakota county is so irregular in 
form that it would be difficult to give an exact idea of 
its shape, without giving a map of the county, 

THE FIRST SETTLEMENT 

in the State, aside from the government troops at Fort 
SnelHng, was made in this county at Mendota in 1S2'6, 
by Jean Baptiste Faribault, an Indian trader from 
Canada. jSTo other settlers arrived for some years. In 
1834, H. H. Sibley, afterwards the first governor of 
the State of Minnesota, located at Mendota, and soon 
had quite a colony of immigrants established at that 
point, and in his adventurous pioneer life saw very 
much of interest, and had many adventures that would 
of themselves form an interesting volume. We can 



HISTOKV OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 53 

hardly find room for extended notices, but give some 
extracts from some ot his writings and his journal, 
which he has kindly permitted us to copy. 

In an address before the "Old Settlers' Association'' 
of Winona, he said : 

" It may seem paradoxical, but it is nevertheless 
true, that I was successively a citizen of Michigan, 
Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota Territories, without 
changing my residence of Mendota. The jurisdiction 
of the first named terminated when Wisconsin was or- 
ganized in 1836, and in turn Iowa extended her sway 
in 1838 over the west of the Mississippi. When the 
latter was admitted as a State, with very mucli dimin- 
ished area, the country lying outside of the State bouu' 
daries was left without any government until the es« 
tablishment of the Minnesota territorial organization." 
* *'^ * " " It was my fortune to be the first to in- 
troduce the machinery of law into what our legal 
brethren would have termed a benighted region, hav- 
ing received a commission of Justice of the Peace from 
the Territorial Governor of Iowa, for the county of 
Clayton. This county was an empire of itself in ex- 
tent, reaching from a line some twenty miles below 
Prairie du Chien on the west of the " Father of Wa- 
ters" to Pembina, and across to the Missouri River. 
As I was the only magistrate in this region and the 
county seat was some three hundred miles distant, I 
had things pretty much under my own control ; there 
was little chance of appeal from my decisions. In fact 
some of the simple minded people firmly believed that 
I had the power of life and deatli. On one occasion 



54: HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUXTY. 

I issued a warrant for a Canadian who had committed 
a gross oiitraeje, and then fled from justice. I dis- 
patched a trusty constable, and he overtook the man 
below Lake Pepin, and brought him back in irons. 
The friends of the culprit begged hard that he should 
not be severely punished, and after keeping him in 
" durance vile " for several days I agreed to release 
him if he would leave the country, and threatening 
him with dire vengeance should he ever return. He 
left in great haste and we never saw him afterwards.'' 

Mr. Sibley relates among other^ interesting incidents 
of the manner of meting out justice in early times, 
the following : 

"A justice, not a hundred miles from Kaposia, was 
called upon to decide between two adverse claimants, 
and after hearing the evidence the magistrate decided 
in favor of the plaintiff, whereupon the defendant ac- 
cused him of partiality and injustice, and the dignity 
of the court came very near being seriously compro- 
mised by a fisticuff between the court and the party 
considering himself aggrieved. An appeal was taken 
to the District Court, by the defendant, and when the 
writ was served upon the justice ordering him to pro- 
duce a transcript of his docket and other papers in the 
case, instead of complying with the mandate of the 
court, he committed to paper a long and elaborate ad- 
dress to the judge, setting forth that the appellant had 
abused him ; that he was a mean scamp generally, and 
concluded by stating to his honor that he had erred in 
granting an appeal, and if he wanted the papers in the 
case he might look for them, as he (the justice) would 



HISTOHV OF DAKOTA COU.N'TY. .55 

have nothino^ further to do with it. It was duly 
dispatched to the judge and read by the clerk, but was 
subsequently abstracted from the files by some person, 
probably, in search of legal lore," 

Mr. Sibley was foreman of the first grand jury ever 
empannelled in what is now the State of Minnesota, 
which consisted of twenty persons, three only of whom 
could speak or understand English, the rest being all 
Frenchmen. The court was held at Mendota, Judge 
Cooper presiding. His Honor delivered a written 
charge to the jury, of considerable length, which was 
profoundly listened to, though not a word was under- 
stood by more than three of the jurors. 

The amount of land under caltivation in the county 
we have baen unable to accurately obtain. The area 
of cultivated fields is yearly ijiereaaing and with woii- 
dorful proportions, and the increase in the value of 
pe'rsonal property, and the nmnber of animals of do- 
mestic use is in equal proportion. 

The present total valuation of personal property in 
Dakota county is $1,129,2^4, NumW of animals — 
horses, 4,901; cattle, 3,527; mrdes ^d asseS, 106; 
sheep, 4,798 ; hogs, 3,986. At the late sale of school 
lands, 16,097 acres were purchased for $9,262.42, on 
which $1,542.35 principal, and $874.60 interest, were 
paid down, leaving $7,710.07 unpaid. We give the 
following statement of the amount of land broken dur- 
ing the year 1868, in each of the towns of the county, 
which we have copied from the Farmingtoii Tele- 
graph : 



5b Hfsi 


rORY OF 13AK0TA COUNTY. 




TOWNS. 


ACRES. 


TOWNS. 


ACRES. 


Burnsville, 


800 


Lakeville, 


2.400 


Castle Eock, 


2.500 


Mendota, 


400 


Douglas, 


2.000 


Marslion, 


1.200 


Empire, 


2.800 


]N"ininger, 


800 


Eagan, 


1.400 


Ravemia, 


700 


Eureka, 


2.200 


Rosemount, 


1.800 


Greenvale, 


1.800 


Handolpb, 


800 


Hampton, 


2.500 


Sciota, 


1,100 


Hastings, 


500 


Yermillion, 


2.600 


Inver Grove, 


1.900 


West St. Paul, 


800 


Lebanon, 


1.200 


Waterford, 


1.000 



The following shows the official record of the county 
as to County, State, and Federal offices : 

In 1847 the State of Wisconsin was admitted to the 
Union, or all that portion east of the Mississippi and 
St. Croix rivers, leaving those counties west of 
the rivers without any government. H. H. Sibley 
was chosen a delegate to Congress to represent that 
portion of the territory, the inhabitants claiming that 
the act admittino; the State did not abros^ate the territo- 
rial government. After some delay, Mr. Sibley was 
admitted to his seat, and the territory of Minnesota hav- 
ing been organized at the same session, Mr. Sibley was 
re-elected in 1849, and again in 1851 — thus serving 
five consecutive sessions of Congress. In 1854 he was 
elected to the territorial legislature, and in 1857 to the 
constitutional convention. The same fall hewaselect- 
ed as first Governor of the State of Minnesota. 

In 1859, Ignatius Donnelly, of Nininger, was elected, 
to the office of Lieut. Governor of the State, and re- 
elected in 1861. In 1862 he was elected as Represen- 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 57 

tative in Congress from the Second District of Minne- 
sota, and re-elected in 1864, and again in 1866, being 
the present Eepresentative. In 185Y, L. Smith 
was chosen as Secretary of the Territorial Council. 
In 1854: H. II. Sibley and D. M. Hanson repre- 
sented the northern part of Dakota county and a large 
district, now several counties, in the Territorial Legis- 
lature. In 1855 Henry G. Bailey was chosen Coun- 
cillor and M. T. MuriDhy and O. C. Gibbs, as Eep- 
resentatives. J. J. McYay and C. Powell Adams as 
Kepresentatives in 1856 — Mr. Bailey as Councillor 
having been elected for two years. The Delegates 
to the Constitutional Convention in 1857, were H. H. 
Sibley, Josiah Burwell, D. J. Burns, H. G. Bailey, 
Andrew Keegan and Thomas Foster. The members 
of the Legislature this year were H. G. Bailey D. W. 
C. Dunwell as Senators and J. C. Dow, Eobert 
CNeil, James Locke, E. C. Masters and M. T. Mur- 
phy as Eepresentatives. Mr. Dow resigned the office 
and Eli Eobinson was elected to fill the vacancy. For 
1858 Eli Eobinson and A. H. Norris were elected to 
the Senate, and A. M. Hays, Moses Bixley, Henry 
Kaska and H. G. O. Morrison Eepresentatives. The 
Eepresentatives for 1859 were I. M. Eay, Michael 
Waldhier, Ara Barton, Charles McGrorty and M. A; 
Miller. But there being no session held this year, the 
election resulted in empty honors and no work. In 
1860 A. M. Hays was elected Senator and J. C. 
Cooper and H. G. O. Morrison Eepresentatives. 
The following named persons have represented the 
county since that time : 



Ob HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 

Senators. Bepreserdatives. 

1861— C. W. Nash. J. C. Cooper, G. C. Chamberlain. 

1862— " " 0. T. Hays, " 

1863— D. F. Langley, K. N. Giteau, D. F. Ackly. 

1864— 'I " " '• Henry Tew. 

1865— " " R. C. Masters, J. D. Smith. 
1866— N. C. Draper, S, C. Howell, J. H. Donaldson. 
1867 — Seagrave Smith, Eobt. Foster, R. J. Chewning. 

The County offices have been filled as follows : 

EEGISTERS OF DEEDS. 

A. Robertson, A. R. McLeod, J. J. Noah, (appointed to 
fill vacancy of A. R. McLeod, removed); John Kennedy, 6 
years ; Emanuel Eichhorn, 6 years ; N. F. W. Kranz, pres- 
eat incumbent. 

TREASUREES. 

Hippolite Dupuis, D. W. C. Dunwell, Eugene Dean, 
James Westcott, Michael Comer, elected in 1861 and pres- 
ent incumbent. 

SHERIFFS, 

A. R. French, F. J. Bartlett, John Devlin, '4: years, Isaac 
M. Ray, 4 years, Siephen N&well, 6 yeats. 

CLERKS OF COURT. 

J. J. Noah, Geo. S, Winslow, appointed in August, 1857 
and elected the same fall; G. S. Whitman, elected in 1861, 
and re-elected. 

JUDGES OF PROBATE. 

James Locke, J. J. McVay, F. ^I. Crosby, Seagrave 
Smith, 6 years, P. M, Babcock, present judg6. 

COUNTY ATTORKEYS. 

James C. Dow, 0. T. Hayes, E. F. Parker, Seagrave 
Smith, E. F. Parker, T. R. Huddleston, Roswell Judson, 
T. R. Huddleston. 

COUXTY SURVEYORS. 

James Thompson, Mathew A. Miller, Magney Sampson, 
Andrew Keegan, C. B. Lowell, Andrew Keegan. 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COITNTT** 5^ 

' AUDITORS. 'A 

J. 0. Melt)7, 4 years, L. Smith, 4 years, John Kennedy 
1866 and 1868. 

Thos. Odell was first Coroner. William Felton waa 
elected in 1857, and has held the office till the present 
time. 



i^XTjXTj^-^izr iRECOieiD. 



Probably no State in the Union responded more lib- 
erally and promptly to the call for troops to crush the 
rebellion than the young State of Minnesota. With, 
a population of only about 176,000 in 1860, at the 
breaking out of the war, she sent into the army over 
12,000 able-bodied men, who earned a fame second to 
none in the whole army of the Union. The name of 
Minnesota troops was everywhere a synonym of vic- 
tory. Dakota county furnished her full quota, as will 
be found recorded in the following pages. We have 
given the rank of all the commissioned officers as far 
as we could obtain them, at the time of leaving the 
service. In the following list we have given the names 
and credit to the different towns just as we found 
them recorded in the Adjutant's General's office at 
St. Paul. Those who have held commissions in the 
army, as far as we could learn, are as follows, 

H. H. Sibley, commissioned as Colonel, with com- 
mand in the field; promoted to Brigadier General, and 
afterwards breveted Major General. 
5 



60 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 



Brevet Brigadier GeneraU — W. G. LeDuc and C. 

Powell Adams, of Hastings. 

Lieut Colonel — R. S. Donaldson, of Lakeville. 

Majors — Jas. S.. Donaldson, Empire; O. T. Hays, 
John Kennedy, Wm.B. Leach, Hastings; J. M. Bow- 
ler, of Nininger. 

Surgeons, with the rank of Major — J E. Finch, F. 
B. Etheridge, R. D. Traver, of Hastings; J. L. Arm- 
ington, of Randolph. 

Captains — H. G. Bailey, of Hastings, killed at the 
battle of Nashville ; L.W.Collins, A. P. French, J. 
B. Preston, Isaac P. Tichnor, H. D. Pettibone, Thos. 
M. Smith, Edward Oakford, C. W. I^ash, of Hastings; 
John King, Nininger, and Ara Barton, of Randolph. 

Lieutenants — R. J. Chewning, Castle Rock ; A. J. 
Patch, Douglas; J. J. Clague, (Reg. Army,) Green- 
vale; J. E. Chapman, S. H. Dickens, T. R. Hnddles- 
ton, Harry Hoover, Barnard McKeniia, Frank J. 
Mead, Frank M. Langley, Edward Danipier, of Has- 
tings ; E. B. Higgins, of Randolph ; John More, Yer- 
million; A. R. French, West St. Panl. 



Connelly, Michael 
Foley, John 
Melony, Patrick 
Monahaa, James 
McCay, James 



Aldiich, Alonzo 
Aldrich, Leonard 
Aldrich, Joseph L 
Ashman, John 
Burrou":h3, Wm A 
Crow, Oliver H 
Chewning, R J 
Chapelle, Albert 
Day, Alfred A 
DiiflT, James 



BURNSVILLE. 

McDonough, Thomas 
Nash, James 
Stewart, George 
Siberry, John 
McCanny, James 

CASTLE ROCK. 
Mayson, James 
Marsh, George 
Millard, Frank O 
Plummer, Chas. P 
Pryor, Henry 
Plummer, Bartlett 
Rice, M 
Stevens, Cushman 
Sacket, George W 
Stevens, Barney 



Cammon, James 
Ledwidge, John 
Shovliu, Dennis 
Stiff, George 
Walsh, William 



Vanvalkenburch, Noah C 
Hyde, Frederick, 
Smith, Wm H 
Morrill, Richard B 
Town, Abraham R 
Bluett, Edward 
Child, Henry D 
Mills, Silas 
Riddle, Wm 
Steele, Edward R 



mSTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 



61 



Day, Levi E 
Davison, Jameo C 
Drurj% Martin L 
Davi8,.J ohn C 
Fowler, William 
Gaoman, Charles H 
Haraden, Samuel, 
Higgins, S II 
Holmes, Sames H 
Huggins, Thomas P. 
McNutt, Gilbert, 



Whittemore, James E 
Whitney, Benjamin 
WillsoD, Thomas 
Wood, Alonzo H 
Willman, L K 
Conerton, John 
natch, Charles M 
Sullivan, Jdathew 
Case, Wm H 
Case. Clark 
Hatch, Wm S 



Wheeler, Edward 
Mill, Joseph 
Cook, Joseph, 
Stevens, Fr«eland A 
Van^-hn, Hiram W 
Hoff; Benjamin 
Miksl, Nicholas 
Teachout, John 
Willion, James A 
Morrison, John T 



Depuy, S P 
Ford, Patrick 
Gould, Myron C 
Knowles, John F 
Patch, A J 
Twitchell, Smith S 
Austin, John 
PloJmes, Nelson M 
Haycock, Abner M 
McLaughlin, Hugh 
Piiul, Victor 



Felix, Peter 
Harper, Henry 
Noouau, Martin 
Sanson cy, Lewis 
Turpiu, Sevier 



Amidon, Calvin 
Abby, Ed^ar S 
Bennett, Jedediah 
Bunker, Steven F 
Cummicgs, W W 
Eastbrook. Daniel 
Everett, Wm W 
Fish, Theodore 
Feiton, Ezra V 
Felton, Daniel, Jr. 
Hughes, John 
Lackey, Elisha 
Porter, Artemus 
Putnam, Charles F 
Perry, Wesley 
Simonds, E B 
Sanderson. Benj 
Backhoff, John 
Betke, Fred 
Felton, Daniel 
Heslett, H H 
Kraps, John 
Leper, James 
McMuUen, Patrick 
Monson, Chad C 
Hay, F G 
Stowell, Albert 
Felton, Ezra V 



DOUGLAS. 

Pratt, Job J 
Rhodes. Wm H 
Slye, Gilbert E 
Seeley, Robert 
Graflfman, Francis 
Pyic, Henry M 
Phipps, Charles M 
Brink, Andrew 
Larson, Andrew 
Gee, Thomas 
Storer, Gardner 

EAGAN. 

Turpin, Francis 
Healey, William 
Lemay, Mathias 
Lemay, Napolecn 
O'Harmon, Themis 

EMPIRE CITY. 

Lambert, Zebina 
Spearin, Simon B 
Bacon, Abel 
Jones, Charles 
Kellogg. Geo W 
Mas tin, John 
Plummer, Wileoa 
Pool, James W 
Shadingor, Hirnm 
Stanley, George 
Pidgeon, Louis 
Whittier, G B 
Bunker, SF 
Dodge, Leroy 
Donaldson, James II 
Imeson, Zinzic 
Imeson, Jonathan 
Imeson, Jame? 
Masters, RH 
Mattison, Samuel W 
Pryor, John 
Pharl, James 
Pool, John W 
Pool, Benjamin 
Smith, Joseph A 
Shadinger, Wm 
WcBtbank, C F 
Samson. Magna 



Stam, Edward 
Berwick, Casper 
Hatch, Geo S 
Neafser, Edward 
Hamilton, Charles 
Fiiend, Charles 
Newoll, Charles 
Rice, Edward B 
Strong, Wm J 
Soper, Palmer 



O'Detts. Theofelt 
Dailcy, Bartholomew 
Ivcmay, Thomas 
Terreaux, Soeeph 
Williams, Henry 



Black, Thos 
Ilaycraft, John 
Ilaycraft, Samuel 
Studibill, Henrv 
Van Doren, I N 
Haycraft, Jotl M 
Battin, Solomon 
Burton, David 
Coburn, William 
Kaska, AL 
Dilley, E V R 
Dewey, William 
Griswold, Benson 
Ilaycraft, Calvin 
Jolly, J W 
Livingston, John It 
Lumsden, DJ 
Pool, Johnson 
Rhoades, Isaac C 
Shadinger, Howard 
Shadinger, Clymer 
Shadinger, Adnah 
Speck, A C 
Scarles. J A 
Scofield, Thos II 
Smith, Thos C 
Paul, Joseph 



m 



HISTOET OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 





EUBEKA. 


« 


rSrbar, Albert 


Leyde, Wm M 


Evengou, 01 e 


McMillan. Deuman 


Miller, Frank 


Severson. Edward 


^tandaley, K J 


I^^est, Andrew 


Walters, C C 


Torgeson, Ardrew 
Anderson, Cornelius 


Beytein. Chas T 


Thorison, Carl 


Linburgh, John 


Eox, William 


Dunsmore, Irring A 


Brocher, August 


Aslakon, N 


Haney, William 


Mis-e-gaw-buck, 


Johnson, Brady 


Higgins, H B 


Mallory, G B 


Nass, Andrew 


Meir, Christopher 


Asbyscn^on Byergroff 


Oleson, Halvor 


Thompson, John 


Wood, E H 

GREENVALE. 




Bates, Alexander ,» 


Hodgson, Thos C 
Hendrick, Patrick 


Webb, John W 


Bates, Myron 
Barrett, H M 


Cowles, John H 


Hott, Charles H 


Beaklin, Olof 


Bloxom, Daniel 


Howell, Rowell 


McAndrew, Thos 


Bates, William A 


More, Robert 


Stewart, Charlea 


Boardman, Hugh 


Marsh, Henry 


McAndrews, Patrick 


Bogne, Zachariah 


Pond, Billions 


Phars. Thomas 


Carter, E B 


Park, D A, Jr 


Gustaff, Endre 


Clagne, J J 


Rice, Geo W 


Klasey, Thos 


.Dean, R B 


Sanderson, Halvor 
HAMPTON. 


. 


Ballard, Eli 


Scott, Louis 


Turner, William 


Ballard, Elias 


Stier, Fred A 


Wright, Sheldon 
Battles, Felix, 


Buchman, Jacob 


Hammon, Henry 


Beissell, Gottfried 


Haas, Nicholas 


Quinn, William 


Barton, Volney R 


ISIartin, Jasper W 


Gilford. Samuel J 


Darling, J M 


Nymier, Henry 


Smith, Francis 


Danlinger, Jacob 


Drure, Edward H 


Coleman, Henry 


Fuecker. Anthony 
Geiger, Francis W 


Smith, Wm T 


Cooper, John 


Bell, George 


Lavercrombe, John 


Qoergen, Peter 


Casick, Tiiomas 


Fallman, Sylvester 


Holden, E N 


Eastman, Seth W 


Harold, Alonzo 


Hammon, Henry 


Twilayson, William 


Smith, William 


Hakss, Richmold 


McCarger, 


Smith, Daniel. 


Haas, l^icholas 


Swanson, Anton 


Grimer, Henry 


Hell, Joseph 
Uaas, Michael 


Wing, Gorvis 


Borden, Daniel B 


Aldrich, Cyras C 


Clemeteon, John ^ 


Frothum, John 


Hall, A P 


Hanson, John M -M 


Jemeseon, Geo L 


Snyder, Theodore 


Perent, Felix M 


Hasel, Nicholas 


Murray, Duncan 


Haggard, Henry IS 


Martin, Jasper V 


Stanchfield, Wm M 


Van Wart, T T 


Nymeier, Henry 


Dolgner, Christian 


Harding, Price B 


Putnam, Ira 


Palmer, George 


Harding, Cyrus B 


Raymond, Fred 


Burger, Jack 


Richardson, William 


Shard, Charlca 


Welker, Atwcod 


Emerson, Nathan 


Glift, Walter 


Ilofer, Charles 


Elba ken, Lewis 


\Waite, Oliver 


Dickman, John 


Gibson. Abel 


Howard, Wm H 


Richardson. L G 


Wells, Charles 


Pelta, Anthony 


Khin'jhiirt. 0.-<car 


Jose, Horatio 


Cragan, Enoch 


f-niith, William 


Duff, Robert 


Mulien, Charlea 


Fidebottom, JuLn 


Stearns, Peter 


Radcliffe, Joseph 


Chouoard, Lewis 


Caiu, Thom;.8 


Bock, Peter 


llatlet, Abram 


Fennis, John H 


Loyle, James P 


Bell. Steveu 


Greenfield, Oliver 


Ouuningham, Luther 


Becker, Nicholas 




Ellis, John C! 


Jones, James B 





HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY 



^' 



Allen, Michael 
Allison, Wm H 
Allison, M M 
Adams, C P 
Arnold, Isaac W 
Anderson, Henry 
Armsden, Albert ' 
Baldwtn, A U 
I Boyle, Robert 

' Brawand, Eudolph 

Burgess, Alonzo G 
Bradley, Bnch 
Burgess. H W 
Bemis, Geo W 
Burkman, C C 
Barker, Joseph 
Burkman. William 
Bailley, H G 
Breman, Bernard 
Barrett, H E 
Bradbury, Geo W 
Colby, Frank H 
Corson, Orson 
Cronan, Patrick 
Collins, L W 
Coates, Geo W 
Crawford, Samuel 
Clifford, J C 
Connerton, John 
Conliten, Patrick 
Chapman. Joseph E 
Cady, H C 
Cross, David C 
Cressy, Ej astus T 
Dickens, S H 
Duffy, Hugh 
Dungay, Edward 
Dampsey, Patrick 
Demmick. E W 
Downs, Thomas 
Dilley, George • 
Eaton, James 
Eidridge, Francis B 
Erdman, George A 
Eetes, Israel H 

(Fuller, Cyrus P 
Freidheim, Mosm 
Farmer, Amasa 
Foster, A Q 
Fritz, Alvis 
Fredericks, CornelluB 
French, "A P 
Fahey, Patrick, 
Finch, J E 
Oroldner, Joseph 
Gillett, Davis N 
Groff, Samuel 
Huddleston, T R 
Hays, O T 
Ueagy, A J 
Hamilton, L G 
Hoover, John L 



IIASTIXGS. 
Smith, n D 
Springstead. David 
Spreasser, ^Vm D 
Searls, Jasper N 
Smith, Henry D 
Springstead, Henry 
Sastros, Walter 
Trader, E A 
Thurleman, Peter 
Tucker, Charles M 
Twichell. N H 
Traver, K D 
Taylor, Treble 
Tickner, Isar.c P 
Warner, Robert 
Webster, Martin 
Young. A J 
Allen, Michael 
Paul, Charles 
McDonald, Thoma.s 
Ilaman, H H 
Dempsey, Patrick 
Fahey, P E 
Brown, E F 
Conerton, John 
Cooper, John 
Haas, Nicholas 
Holmes, J W 
Ilecht, Henry 
Holsemer, Peter 
Hethrington, James H 
Kissenmacher, Walden 
Keating, John 
Kennedy, William 
Lake, George 
McKenna, Bernard 
Morgan, David L 
Panchat, David 
Panchat, Peter 
Picket, Hiram 
Pitcher Joseph E 
Purcell, Michael 
Rowen, Thomas 
Sandy, Thomas 
Severy, Nathaniel 
Seitenberger, August 
Vann, Ed A 
Duke, John 
Woodworth, D D 
Webster, Martin 
Meagles, Diderich 
Brennan. Barnard 
Lakey, Michael 
Leonard, Timothy 
Bush. Eli E 
P"tHbnne H D 
Mccarty ; John D 
Wright, Charles 
Fau> , ohn C 
Baldwin, Chas W 
Dilmore, Michael 
Dekay, W U 



Gates, Charles 
Hays, James 
Hodscn, William 
Hoople, Jehiel 
Jenkins, Isaac F 
Jennison, Williston 
Kieley, Dennis F 
K«nnedy. George 
Latte. Augustus 
McNiff. Johu 
Panchot, George 
Pitcher, John 
Reynolds, Oliver P 
Reslar, John 11 
Roasch, Joseph 
Tanger, Anthony 
Thompson, Samuel Iv- 
We'ch, James S 
Whitney, Benj F 
Anderson, Charles 
Crow, Wm H 
Griswold, Frank C 
Pttrker, Robert 
Oakford, Edward 
Daupier. Edward 
Arnold, Mathew B. 
Akers, Gideon 
Aschka, Rudolph 
Bell, Alonzo 
Bowker, Walter K 
Bissell, Francis; M 
Buckraan, Chas K 
Bennett, Jerome E 
Cole, Ambrose D 
Eaton, W^arren L 
Freeman, Renben 
Gilien, Patrick 
Henry, Louis 
Heslet, John 
Jacobs. James W 
Johnson, John 
Knight, Freeman 
Kenherson, James M 
Minor, Ephraim 
Muhen, John 
Morse, Alanson 8 
O'Hrien, James 
Schoepf, George 
Straswe'.l, Jots. 
Scott, John B 
Johnson, Heney F 
McGuire. Thos 
Allen. Wm H 
Bowers, Nicholas 
Garrett, Levi F '■ 
Pitcher, John B ^^ 

elley, .icin W 
Wolke, William . 
Batson, John D ' 
Harring. Mathias • 
Mang,Phiilip 
Saltz, Wm 



Si 



HI STORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 



Henderson, William 
Hurron, George T 
Hope, Thomas 
Howe, P F 
Hecht, Henry 
Henrickson, L F 
H^ver. R'inry 
Harris, John 
Hethington, Ileniy 
Holmes, James H 
Hunnybun, Tl^omaa 
Hale, Eliphalet B 
Ingham, Samuel II 
Ingrahan, George 
Johnson. Charles 
Jefferg, Ormss A 
Johnson, Norman C 
Jacks, Christopher C 
Johc son, Henry T 
Keating, James 
Keating, Patrick 
Kennedy, Thomas 
Keating, Robert 
Kennedy, John 
Kisaenmacher, WalCen 
Knowles, Eddington 
Kingsley, Alex 
Lehman, Fred 
I^ancaster, GW 
Low, Henry A 
Leach, William B 
Lennon, Timothy 
Lahey, Michael 
Mernin. John 
Mertz, John G 
Hahouey, John 
McKenney, Patrick 
Morton, John H 
McKenna, Bernard 
Mangles, Deitrich 
Mead, Frank J 
Mars, John R 
Mathews, Adolphus 
Mnnson, Oliver 
Mathews, Adolphug 
McDonald, A J 
Meyer, John 
Owen. A P 
Paul, Brnnd 
Preston, John B 
Pride, John C, jr. 
Pitcher, Joseph E 
Pitcher, John B 
Pusey, Joseph F 
Eoyce, Geo W 
Rice, Benj A 
Karnum, Edwin 
Curran. Martin 
£ekay, Edward 
Mohernmern. August 
Powell. Robert 
Allen, Henry D 



Draper, Joel 

Graham, John H 

Heath, Harvy J 

Kenney. Frank E 

Parker, Wm L 

Smith, Chas E 

Schwartz, Christian 

ttanton. Stiles J 

otoddard, Charles S 

Weichselbaum, John 

Akers, Gideon 

Akers, Woodford 

BroT?n, William 

Collino, D W 

Hale, Eliphoid 

King, H W 

Kirky, Ed, jr 

Ryan, James 

Stout, William 

Thompson. Joseph 

Bohrman, Henry 

Carland. Michael 

Governor. Abel 

Henry, John 

Lan^ley, Frank M 

Lewis, Nichols 

Mille?, Edward 

Nash. Chas W 

Schultz. Charles 
Smith, Noll B 

Tibbetts, John 
Williams, John 
Pottle, Isaac 
Smith. Thos M 
Parliman, Edwin 
Barker, Edward D 
Itioctgomery, Richard 
Merville, Alex 
Ireland, John S 
Van Inwegea Henry 
Whits, Samuel 
Buswell, Martin V 
Odeli, Marquis L 
Slocum, George F 
Harris, Seth 
Jackson, A F 
Porter, Charles 
Mather, Wm R 
Brockman, Edward 
Brown, Thomas G 
Bush, Anthony 
Colby, Fredric I 
Coburn; Isaac 
Comer, Wm A 
Foster, Chas E 
Groff, William J 
Rice, Edmund B 
Torrence, Robt J 
Abbott. ElsaS 
Smith, Wm 
White, John 
Schurtz, Peter 



Jameson, Qeo D 
Carpenter, C A 
Ford, John 
Glldea, John 
Hewett, WLrren 
Johnson, Christian 
Costetto. Thos 
Lockwood, James 
Hallery, Joseph H 
Oleson, Navi 
Phillip, Enoch 
AbbatO, Tillman 
Breslin, Patrick 
Cole, John 
Casey. Jaices 
Hart, Wm F 
Kart, George 
Hetherington, Charlos , 
Lyon, Wm H 
Nichols, Albert H 
Sidwell, Samuel J 
Smith, Chas A 
Sall«y, John 
Burnham, Alox 
Cole, Lafayette 
Collins, Warren H 
Davis, Orrin G 
Haines, Hiram 
Murray, George 
Steward. Carey 
Gard. L B 
Klopfleiscli. Fred 
Moyer, Michael 
Nye, Elisha 
Stitch, Lewis 
Chaska, George 
W Goodhowk, James 
Snowbrook, Thomas . 
Blase, John H 
Cohoes. John 
Clark. Thomas 
Deidrieth, August 
Dnflf, Robert 
Grewo, Wm 
Rolfing, John 
Thole, Charles 
Heskett, George E 
Snyder, Conrad 
Poor, Alberto 
Harris, Charles 
Sherman. John H 
Wayman, Andrew 
Bennett, Coleman 
Truax, George Vf 
Truax, Richard A 
Pprague, Willard 
Cook, Asa B 
Basiherd, Wilfred 
Altenberg, Gerga 
B?.rchedin, Richard " 
Welchlin. John G 
' Mej-er, Fred 



HISTORT OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 



65 



I 



Arensdorf, Henry 
Bisaell, F M 
Biasell, Hiram 
Breman, Patrick 
Boah, John 
Chambers. Joseph 
Cronkhite. Sam S 
Cooper, Charles D 
Gifford, Van R li 
Gross, miillip 
Harper, A A 
Hamilton, Henry 
Hoaford, Caleb 
Hurd, Michael 
Horeckncr, Frederick 
Hackett, Charles M 
Jarvis. Wm U Jr 
Kock, Henry F 
Korphage, Henry 
Korpbago, Frederick 
Marcott, Joseph 
Morrigon, John I 
Maloy, James 
Murray, Owen C 
O'Neil, Cornelius 
Patten, EdAvard 
Pemberton. Georjc 



INVER GROVE. 

Smith, George N 
Stevena. James 
Samdy, Thomas 
Watson, Francis M 
Shattuck, AlfB 
Wright, Henry C 
Welch, Thomas 
Whitteraore, John D 
Biggerstaff, William 
Carroll, Martin 
Cole, Benj P 
Cole, John F 
George. George, 
Gog, Charles 
Goor, Joeeph H 
Hidden, Geo W 
Hanson, Andrew 
Johnson. John H 
Leach, Alonzo D 
Lyons, James M 
McCollum, Wm M 
Rich, Chas H P 
Schaser, Henry 
Schaser, Sarphine 
Swenson. Hans 
Schefler, Joseph 
Trumbie, Joel 



Wines, John 
Wood, Joseph 
Ponsford, Willtam 
WilkinsoQ, John P 
Hantze, Charles 
Young, Charles 
Dellaughter, John A 
Bissell, Hiram H 
Whittemcre. James 
Johnson, E Peter 
Tome, O J 
Brant, Augustus 
Blackmer, J M 
Eostermen, Henry 
Lenzen, Leonard 
Schartzkoff, Julius 
Williamson, Jacob 
White, William 
Veraflfer, Henry 
Beetle, D&yld 
Kradler, David C 
Barton, Percival 
Kossbach, Guetave 
Stearns. Orange N 
Dubb, Henry 
Davis, John A 
Quigley, Thomas 



Buker, Allen 
Casey, James 
Dyer, Pascal 1 M 
Donaldson. R S 
Eaton, William 
Fonk, Christopher 
Getzman. Joseph 
Hame, William A 
Hosmer, hobart N 
Houck, Elijah 
Ives, James K 
Johnson, Harmony B 
Johnsnn, William 
Johnson, Edward L 
Keeler, George "VT 
Keating. Lawrence 
Kelley, George 



LAKEVILLE. 

Longstreet, Wm S 
Lawson, Wesley 
McMullen, Pat 
Partlow. David 8 
Smith, Caleb 
Sherman, Marshall 
Thurston, Sancher 
Thurston, John H 
Watson, John S 
Weaver, Geo A 
Wetherell, Alonzo 
Wetherell, Geo W 
Wetherell, Russell 
Wixon, Wm N 
Willoughbv, John N 
Wixon, John W 
Longstreot, Wm S 



Moran, Patrick 
Getzman, Joseph 
Disher, Henry 
Fitzsimmons, Richard 
Parker, Benjamin 
Rhoades, Harrison 
Randells. Robert 
Haycraft, Isaac 
Emraons, Charles S 
Phillips, Edmund 
Record, George A 
Gustaff, Enders 
White, Joseph 
Dahlberg, Hans P 
Parks, George 
Young, John 
Shanley, Michael 



Conway, James 
Clough, Cyrus 
Casey. John 
Chase. Wesley 
Finnerty, Michael 
Oilman, James B 
Haines, David 
Haines, N D 
Kent, William 
Morse, John W- 
Potter, William 



LEBANON. 

Perkins. Charles M 
Smith, Wm H 
Thompson, Joseph C 
Thompson, Alex M 
Thompson, Francis 
Wilson, Geo L 
Kent, William 
Morse, John W 
Casey, John 
Howard. Martin 
Parker, James 



Scott, James 
L'oyd, James 
Ives, A A 
Haines, David E 
Hill, Wm H 
Ratey, John S 
Lambert, Elijah 
Powers, George 
Richmond, Robert 



M 



iriSTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 



Day, AIohko E 
Jeanin, Charles P 
Panchett, George P 
Panchett, Peter J 
Panchett, David 
Morgan, Elizur A 
Hardy, Justus K 
Simons, John L 
Amsden, Albert 
Barry, Andrew 
Curen, Frank 
Hanson, Henry 
Hanson, Anthony 
McVay, John J 
McNelly, John 
Canfield, Henry 
Doolan, Peter 
Kooth, Augustus 



Armington, J L 
Foster, Wm H 
Hassan, James 
Leach, Albert, 
Parks, Alfred 
Richracnd, Cicero 



Akers, James 
Armstrong, Wm 
Ellis. Allen G 
Fisher, Charles 
Kelly, John 
Mpizso Edward 
Scherrer, Albert 



MARSHAN. 

Chanette, Louis 
Mason, Charles 
Ray, Frank 
Do err, Wm 
Miller. Charles 
Jenne, Chillis W 
Leach, Calvin S 
Wasson, John E 
Mullen, John O 
Moore, Samuel 
Panchot, A F 
Wilkenson, Rich 
Wallace. James W 
Tahey, Thos 
Case, Francis 
Jackson. J A 
Judge, Barney 



RANDOLPH. 

Richmond, Stewart? 
Barton, Ara 
Richmond, Seneca 
Brooks, Josiah R 
Brooks, Ephraiiu V 



RAVENNA. 

Brown, Wm 
Darkin, William 
Akers, A H 
Baker, Delos 
Lytle, Isaac 
Sherrv, James 
Walton, William 



Knight, Byron M . 
Knapp, Henry C 
Sjolie, Halvor 
Smith, Absalom 
Wreston, James 
Drew, George G 
Willey, Warner E 
Felton, Israel B 
Manning, Michael 
(Jadwell, Eugene 
Elcock, Simon 
Goodfellow, George H 
McMuller, Albert C 
Pethybridge, Joshua 
StClair, John 
Eger, William 
Saupe, Frederick 



Foster, George 
Jenkins, James E 
Sheppard, Ira S 
niggins, Kbeu B 
Madden, Wm 



Hart, Michael 
Daniels, George 
Brown, Wm 
Dourke, Wm 
Johnson, James 
Clark, Wm 
Darkom, John 



Atherton, Minor 
Baker, Chas li 
Barnum, Wheeler 
Beck, John 
Eaker, George IS 
Baker, Wyman 
Farquhari^ Danitl 
Hftuzel, Frank 
Harrington, Lloyd M 
Hardick, Robert H 
Knight, Emery 
Morgan, Daiid L 
McGuire, Complin* 
btrathan, Walter 



ROSEMOUNT. 

Akear, Treffle 
I'aker, Gaorge E 
Brawler, John JC 
Bayley. Thomas F 
Eyer, Renier 
Fowler, Thomas 
Harrington, L M 
Harrison, Peter M 
McDonald. John 
KalKbury, J B 
fciweno»r, Lonis 
Wcwas, Francis 
Brown. Joseph B 
Baktr, Wyaaan 



Morse. E A 
Gibbs, Isaac 
Liddlc,.JobnT 
Duffy, John S 
Couant, Timothy 
Dolhcimer, Valentine 
Dolheimer, Henry 
Vetch, Jacob 
Ericson, Peter 
Lawson, Hans 
Blew, J A 
McKnight, E V 
Baker, Musson 
Maybee, B F 



Atkinson, Cl»« M 
Bill, E 8 

Bo&rdeman. Jam«« 
Bill, Dayid X 
Brigham, A A 
Cowell, Thomas T 
Clark, James 



WATEBPOSD. 

^•▼•ll, A W 
Bol»b, Jeseph 
Uicholt, JaraeB L 
Porter, Geo J 
Kufsell, James K 
Sackett, Chauncey 
Fatkett, Dudley 



Helgtroon, Edward 
Frank, John 
Shepard, Philetua 
Truax, Oddy 
Volk, Peter 
Twigg(«, David 
Dion, Beuben B 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 



67 



Dean, Frank J 
Dean, Reuben 
Elliot, Watson 
GateF, A J 
Glidden, C O 
Glidden, Sylvester 
Masters, Archer 



ArbucklP, B P 
Abbott, Wm 11 
Beck, E 8 
Brown, L D 
Bromley, WiKon 
Burck, Patrick 
College, John 
Cartwrigbt, F M 
Cochrane, John 
Derlin Michael 
Dibble, H J 
French, A R 
French , E R 
Gearing, Robt 
Griggs, John 
Hayes, John 
Heinricks, Fred 
Holman, Herman 
Holman, E AV 
Hand, Benjamin 
Irvine William 
Kerslake, J J 
Krach, Malhiaa 



Austin, Orsng" 
Bemer, Jeflfereon 
Bush, Hezekiah 
Chamberlain, 3Iark A 
Couper, John C 
Clutch, David P 
Finney, Geo W 
Fitz, Lorenzo 
FiuDey, James 
Gline, John Wesley 
Hopkins, George L 
Hunt, A G 
Jameson, HDrac» 



Burkoe, Patrick 
Caldwell, Anaos A 
Colby, Frank H 
Ennis, Martin 
Ells, Samuel 
Ellis. Howard 
Greig, Robert 
Hilmer, Jeremiah 
Legg, George 
Mowry, Frank 
More, John 
McDcwell, James 



Wager, John H 
Weeks, Roland 
Bill, David K 
Boardman, James 
Simpson, James 
Shatta. David 
Shavone, David 

WEST ST. PAUL. 

Lossinger, Joseph 
Messinger, Addis E 
Mooney, Archibald 
McLeod, Alex R 
McWilJiama, John 
North, E D 
Pratt, William 
Pemberton, Thos 
Pratt, William 
Roberg, John 
Ross, John 
Reed, Joseph H 
Simon, John 
Schmdt, Joseph 
Schoening, Frank 
Simons, Frank 
Wichler, Henry 
Wagner, Jacab 
Leyde, G B 
Lloyd, S n 
Loftis, Patrick 
Bromley, ^Filton, 
Oliver, R B 

SCOTIA. 
Moore, Alex 
Noyes, St Clair 
Noyes, L D 
Nojes, James W 
Parks, Geo W 
Sherwood, Julitia 
Sidwell, Aaron M 
Scctt, Elias 
Smith, Adam 
Stark, Adam 
Skate, Charlei 
Terry. George R 
Twiggs, David 

VERMILLION. 

McKay, Joha M 
Morris, Sidney A 
Pettibone, Herman 
Joest, Jsseph 
Spencer, John V 
Moran, Michael 
Lease, Nathan A 
Baine, W S 
B&thwell, S W S 
Cadwell, Eugene 
Hanson, John M 
Bramao, Cyrus I 



Bodges, John W 
Dixon. Geo A 
Glidden, Daniel E 
Hibbard, Culver 
Boath, James W 
Scarborough Chaa D 
Canfield, C 



Johnson, E L 
Weis, Mattew 
Koever, Aug 
Lemire, Theodore 
Silk, John 
Royden, Henry 
Phillips, G C 
Wright, C A 
Barllett, B S 
Rsem, James, 
Morin, Theodule 
Lawrence, James 
McEntre, Daniel 
Smith, William 
Spooner, Albert 
Breit J M 
Dichto, William 
Lutz, Ferdinand 
Lukem, Henry 
Alten, Thomas 
Caravan, Felix 
Rigiiey, John 
Brown, C C 



Willson, John E 
Toumans. James F 
Jameson, Horace 
_ Parks, Alfred P 
Amsden, Galen 
Daniels, George 
Hoople, Nelson 
McCreary, Henry D 
Bey teen, John 
Blaiikenbnrg, Albert 
Green, Wm R 
WillBon, James B 



Bird, Lemuel J 
Donahun, James K 
McGuire, Hugh 
Howe , James H 
Hall, Hollis 
Healy, Michael 
Clark, John R 
Bennett, Edward 
Mather, Sams el 
Weeks, Geo W 
Helin, John 



66 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 



Bowler, J M 
Briggs, AlODZO 
Bittka, Christian 
Brush, E E 
Bottomly, Joseph 
Countryman, Martin 
Pish, Arthur J 
Fitch, William T 
Griffin, Howard 
Kennard, Owen 
Knight, George W 
ELing, John 
Lyon, Isaac 
Mowry, Israel C 
If cMulIen, Aaron 
O'Brien, Nicholas 
Purcell, Daniel 
Bussell, Charles 



Ange, James 
Bryant, Chandler 
Beyargeant, Eli 
Cram, C C 
Clonkey, Antoin© 
De Borzia, Baaille 
Essency, John H 
Felix, Daniel 
Felix, Paul 
Granville, David 
Johnson, M D 
Jarvis, Francis 
Le Clair, Eleazer 
Le Bland, Peter 
Neheley, Morris, jr 
Young, BAD 



NININGER. 

Stone, Eugene H 
Sheldon, Daniel 
Severy, Nathaniel 
Truai, R J 
Tompkins, John 
Truax, J R 
Wasser, E K 
"Wells, Leander 
Countryman, Willia 
Hutchins, Chas A 
Nesson, John 
O'Brien, Nicholas 
Russell, Charles 
Stone, Eugene H 
Steffers, John 
Truax, Johnson R 
Zander, George W 
Bong, Elias 

MENDOTA. 

Trumbull, Nathan D 
Trucette, Joseph 
[.emay, Louis 
Garnell, Louis 
Turpin, S 
Turpin, Francis 
Sansonce, Louis 
Joinville. Baptisto 
Huart, Michael 
Muller, Louis 
Sherburne, Peter 
Coursall, William 
Chrispau, Joseph 
Coursell, Antoine 
Robinette, Vanoss 
Young, Joseph 



Norelius, Lewii 
Griffin, Edward 
Spragae, Cassins 
Truax, Albert H 
Hanna, Jerome 
Knapp, Leonard M 
Russell, Sylvester 
Casey, Patrick 
Moran, Michael 
Countryman, John S 
Cagley, John W 
Countryman, Peter 
Countrvman, Levi N 
Hama, Walter R 
Knapp Austin 
Spaague, Cassinett 



Turpin, John B 
Campbell. Charles 
Auge, Joseph R 
Boursier,John 
Beauehenin, J B 
Labath, Bernhard 
Barie, Onesimus 
Plaisance, Phillip 
Oatney, Joseph 
Twey, Jabez 
Austin, John B 
Comer, El^a 
Weldon, Charles 
McLane, Arnold 
Chrispan, Annable 



CGUisT'riz: i<t:h:-wq:bj^:b:ei:ei&. 



The history of the newspapers of Dakota county has 
been, like most other enterprises in a new country, 
somewhat eventful, and will form a not uninteresting 
chapter in the record of events. The first enterprise of 
this kind was started in 1856, only three years subse- 
quent to the first settlement of the county by white 
men, showing how closely upoD the heels of civiliza* 



HI8T0EY OF 1>AK0TA COUNTY. 69 

tion follows the education and enlightenment of the 
pioneers, and the demands of the people f0r the cur- 
rent news of the day, as well as tlio march, of enter- 
prise in a. newly settled country. 

THE DAKOTA JOURNAL 

"Was the first to embark upon the sea of literary and 
newspaporial life, and was launched sometime in the 
snmm(^r of 1866, under the guidance of Mr. James C. 
Dow, and devoted to the interestG of the Democratic 
party. 

• THE HASTINGS INDEPENDENT, 
Under the supervision of Mr. C. Stebbins, laid claim 
to public favor, and made its debut on the 25th of July, 
1857. The Independent was a well-conducted paper, 
Republican in politics, and did much towards the set- 
tlement and growth and improvements in the county 
by keeping before the people the advantages to be had 
by a settlement in this locality. Mr. Stebbins contin* 
ued the publication for somewhat over ten years, until 
November 6th, 1867, when the l7idej)ende?it and Con- 
serve)* were consolidated and the Hastings Gazette 
was born of the union ai^d published as at present, by 
Messrs. Todd & Stebbins. 

■■^- ,^^cl .'>■••.■ 

THE HASTINGS LEDGER 

Next had an ephemeral existence, of a few weeks or 
months only, and retired from the pubhc gaze for lack 
of pecuniary sustcnauce. It was under the control of 
Mi". A. S. Dimond. 

•i ). ■ ■:■::. ■ . ' ..i jil 



70 JII^TOllY OF DAKOTA COXi:tJTT. 

THE HASTINGS DEMOCEAT 
Made its first appearance in 1859, under the guardian- 
ship of C. Powell Adams, as editor and publisher. 
Mr. Adams subsequently sold the material to John R. 
Mars, who continued the publication of the paper for 
some two years. Dr. Adams still acting as editor. 

The same year Messrs. Mars and Northrop com- 
menced the publication of a monthly journal, as a lit- 
erary enterprise, but the country was too new to afford 
sufficient patronage to sustain it, and the Frontier 
Monthly was discontinued after an issue of three num- 
bers. 

THE HASTINGS CONSEBVER 
Was established in 1851 by Eev. C. M. Whitney, who 
published it for about one year, when he sold the office 
to Irving Todd, who continued to publish it until it 
was merged with the Independent into the Gazette. 
on the ethofJSrovember, 1867. 

THE NORTHWESTERN DEMOCRAT, 

Published by Frank J. Mead, came into public life in 
the spring of 1863. It was devoted, as its name indi- 
cates, to the interests of the Democratic party. It wa« 
a faithful worker and ally of the Democracy, but after 
an existence of about a year and a half, the enterprise 
was abandoned as not being a pecuniary euccess. 

THE DAKOTA COUNTY UWIOIT 

Was introduced to the public of Hastingg and of Dak(>. 
ta county on the 4th of April, 1866, by Alex Johns- 
ton. It was Democratic in faith and works. Mr. 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. Yl 

Johnston sold a half interest to IMr. J. W. Fralick, in 
April, 1867, and in the June following Mr,. James 
Scammon purchased the other half, and the paper is 
now published hj Messrs. Fralick & Scammon. It is 
a neatly printed seven column sheet, and devoted to 
the interests of the Democratic party, and building up 
home institutions, and the development of the resourc- 
es of Dakota county. 

At Nininger there have been two papers started, but 
both have fiiiled for want of material aid to keep the 
wheels in motion. 

THE EMIGRANT AID JOURNAL 

"Was the name of the first paper published at this place, 
a large eight -column sheet, published by a Mr. Mc- 
Donald. It was principally devoted to showing the 
advantages to imigrants of settling in this county. It 
lived only about six months. 

THE DAKOTA SENTINEL, 

Also performed a short pilgrimage of existence at Nin- 
inger, in 1861, under the control of Messrs. Linder- 
green and Hoblitt, but imitated its predecessor in re- 
tiring early from public life. 

THE FARMINGTON TELEGRAPH 

"Was started in the spring of 1868, by Frank J. Mead, 
at Farmington. It is Democratic in politics, and an 
earnest advocate of the local interests of the town. 
The Gazette, Union, and Telegraph are the only pa- 
pers now published in the county. 




16=. ir- 2-'lumiey, £nff. 

CASTLE ROCK. 



nisTOBY OF DAKOTA COTJNTY. '7S 



cjLsa?LE :H,ooic. 




'^^ ASTLE KOCK was iirst settled in January, 
*'*^1854, by T. P. Brown, who made his claim on 
'section one of the township, being the northeast 
section, and in l^ovember of the same year, 
Leonard Aldrich and J. B. Stevens also made claims. 
An old gentleman named Harris, with his sons, came 
in the spring of 1855, and settled near Aldrich and 
Stevens; at Poplar Grove in the western part of the 
township. 

There are three groves of timber in the town ; one 
called Virginia Grove, where Mr. Brown, who was 
formerly from Yirginia, settled. This grove is com- 
posed of oak, maple, and other hard timber. Little 
Poplar Grove in the northwest part of the town, and 
Poplar Grove on the western line, which furnish a 
fair supply of material for fuel and fences. 

The town is watered by the south branch of 
the Yermillion river, which runs through the town 
form west to east. The face of the country 
is 60 even that no water power is aiforded, and 
no mechanical pursuits arc carried on in town, 
i^either store, or hotel, or saloon has ever been opened, 
nor even a blacksmith shop, it being an emphatically 
farming community, and the people thinking it best 
to attend to legitimate business and leave other mat- 



74 HI5T0ET OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 

ters to take care of themselves. The Milwaukee, St. 
Paul and Minneapolis railroad runs through the town 
irom north to south, with a station and depot near the 
centre. 

The first birth occurred in April, 1855, in the family 
of T. P. Brown, to whom was born a daughter, who 
was named Lucy. Two children of Mr. Harris died 
in the fall of the same year, who were the first white 
persoHS that departed on that journey whose goal is 
on the thither shore of the dark river of death. In the 

fall of 1856, Yan Hoesen, Esq., of Hastings, 

joined in wedlock Mr. Samuel Harrington and Miss 
Lucy Stevens, who were the first applicants for matri- 
monial honors. 

The town derived its name from a rock of curious 
construction standing about a mile east of the railroad 
station, and which attracts the eye of the traveler in 
passing. The rock is some seventy-five or eighty feet 
in diameter at its base, rising about twenty-five feet, 
where it forms an abrupt shoulder, the portion rising 
above this being only about eight by twelve feet in 
diameter, again rising about twenty feet, and again 
contracting its proportions to some six feet in diameter, 
rises still some sixteen feet higher in the air, making 
the whole tower some sixty feet in height, giving to 
the rock the appearance of some dismantled tower of an 
ancient castle. There are some Indian legends con- 
nected with this rock, but we have not been able to 
get any connected version of any of them. 

The first school in Castle Kock was taught by Ditus 
Day, in the winter of 1857, and the first religious ser- 



HISTORY OF DAJKOTA OOUKTY. 



75 



vice held by Rev. William Sheldon, an Adventist, at 
the house of Leonard Aldrich in 1856. 

The following named persons have served the town 
as Chairman of Supervisors and Town Clerk since 
its organization : 



Chairman of Supervisors. 
Leonard Aldrich. 
T. P. Brown. 
J. L. Thompson. 
Baxter Fellows. 

Wheeler. 

Wheeler. 

Wheeler. 

Alfred Day. 
T. C Charles. 
Damphier. 



Toiun (Jlerh. 
Leonard Aldrich. 
Ditus Day. 
Ditus Day. 
Ditus Day, 
Ditus Day. 
Ditus Day. 
Ditus Day. 
Ditus Day. 
Ditus Day. 
C. W. Watson. 



:etji^e:k:.a.. 




?K 1853 a party of emigrants from Norway 
made the first settlement in this town. Among 
them were Peter Sampson and a Mr. Thomp- 
son, who located near the south part of the 
town, on the banks of Chub Lake, who immediately 
commenced farming operations. In 1854 a large col- 
ony of emigrants from Indiana settled in the north 
part of the town, among whom were R. S, Donaldson, 
Isaac and Jacob Yan Dorn, James B. Sayers, Charles 
6 



76 HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 

C. Jones, J. Y. Curry, Clymer Shadinger, A. C. Sheek, 
T. M. Smith and William Colburn, with their famihes, 
which formed a nucleus around which gathered a 
large number of emigrants from the same State, and 
which is still know^n as the "Indiana Settlement." 
The face of the country was in such beautiful contrast 
to that which they had left in most of its features, 
and yet closely resembling it in others, that they felt 
that the primitive Eden for which all were looking 
had at last been gazed upon, and they shouted Eureka^ 
I have found it, and as the months and years went by 
bringing seed time and harvest in their course, with 
such abundance of iho, products of the earth, their first 
opinions were strengthened, and when the Territory 
became a State and the town was organized the name 
was adopted as being the most fitting to the town, as 
well as satisfactory to the people. 

The first hotel or house of ]3ublic entertainment was 
rather primitive in its style, being nothing but a claim 
shanty covered with hay. It was the home of T. M. 
Smith, who made his shanty after the fashion of an 
omnibus, so as to "hold one more," and accommodated 
the weary travelers with food and lodgings until more 
commodious hotels w^ere built in the vicinity. 

The first school was taught in the summer of 1856 
by a Mrs. Payne in the claim shanty of L. D. Erown. 
The first marriage was also in 1856, the parties to the 
contract being Mr. A. R. Kingsley, and Miss Maria 
Lamsden, L. D. Brown, Esq., performing the mar- 
riasre ceremony. 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. IT 

The first religious service was held in 1854, by 
Elder Eaton, who held meetings at the houses of 
the settlers during that summer. In 1865 the Norwe- 
gians of the Lutheran denomination built a neat church, 
but owing to a division of sentiment on some of their 
tenets, another church was built the present jear. The 
Methodists also built a comfortable church edifice in 
the summer of 18G7, and the same year the Presby- 
terians erected a church edifice at a cost of about 
§2,200. 

A fine grove of poplar timber is growing in the 
northern part of the town, which furnishes a fair sup- 
ply for fuel and fencing, while a fine grove of red oak 
is found near Chub Lake. Rice Lake in this town is 
the source of Yermillion Eiver. L^rge cpian titles of 
rice grow along the margin of this lake. Soon after 
leaving the lake, the Yermillion Eiver hides itself in 
the earth and runs underground for at least a mile^ 
then emerges again into daylight somewhat increased 
in size and strength, and while running across the 
farms of C. B. Smith and son, descends enough to 
aflibrd a good water power, if dams were constructed. 

The soil is of a black sandy loam similar to that of 
adjoining towuF, and like them very productive. Chub 
Lake is a little sheet of water in the southwestern part 
of the town, about a half mile in diameter. 

The town is bounded on the north by Lakeville, 
east by Castle Eock, south by Green vale, and west by 
the town of Market in Scott county. 



n 



HISTORY OF DAXOf A COIJ|^^./ " 



si^n^^iPTOi^. 




AMPT0:N' was first settled iu 1854 by John 
M. Bell. In 1855 Michael Kranz, Peter 
Duffing, IsTicholas Du^ng, John J. Fox, Isaac 
1*^. Holton, and several others came and made 
their claims, and commenced breaking ground prepara- 
tory to pntting in crops the next season. These people 
arrived early in S])ring, and cultivated some vegetables 
and such garden stufl' as they could produce. The 
spring was unusually early and the grass was as high 
in May as is generally found in June. This encouraged 
the settlers very much, and they really felt they had 
arrived in the promised land. Yet with these advan- 
tages and encouragements, they experienced the usual 
drawbacks and inconveniences of new settlers. They 
iiad to go some fifteen miles over the prairie to Hast- 
ings for flour and groceries and pay high, prices while 
^ey had nothing to sell to procure these necessaries. 

Those of them who had money got along very well, 
hnt the few who were dependent upon their own daily 
^exertions, sometimes experienced rather dark days. 

In 1856 the tide of immigration to this county set in 

very strong, and about forty families located in Hamp- 

'lon and commenced farming operations in good earnest. 

I^ the fall of this year, the people feeling the need 
of "a school for the education of their children, erected 
a log school house and employed ]S[. F. ^V. Kranz, a 
son of Nicholas Kranz, and present Eegister of Deeds 
of Dakota county, to teach a term of three months, 
which was the first school in this town. 



niBTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 7Q 

The first religious service in this town was in the 
fall of 1855. Kev. Father George Keller of Faribault 
officiated. The meeting was held in a board shanty. 
I» 1856 the Catholics commenced the erection of a 
chnrch, on section eleven, that being somewhat central 
for that portion of the community belonging to that 
church. This edifice was built of logs and was used 
as a place of worship until 1864, when they commencd 
the erection of a new church near the old one. This 
house was built of stone, neat and commodious, at an 
expense of about $9,000, and the old one was converted 
into a parsonage. Father F. X. Weninger, a Jesuit 
missionary, went among .the people of Hampton 
in 1856 and labored earnestly for the upbuilding of the 
church and to bring in a good class of settlers. The 
settlement being composed mostly of Germans, he 
labored somewhat effectively in getting both the popu- 
lation and the church largely increased. About two 
hundred families now worship at this church. Rev. 
Father Pius Bayer is the present priest of the church, 
who has estaolished a Sabbath school, with about sev- 
enty scholars. The Catholics have also established a 
school for the education of their children in German^ 
which is under the supervision of Father Bayer and 
taught by M. Biercheite. They built a commodious 
school house, in 1867, that will accommodate some 
seventy-five pupils. This school is supported entirely 
by private individuals. In addition to this school the 
brothers Kranz and few other families employ, during 
the vacation of the public schools, a private tutor for 
their children, who instructs them in the German lan« 
guage. 



80 HISTORY OF DAKOTA COTINTT. 

In the western part of the town there are two fine 
public school buildings, this portion of the town be- 
ing mostly settled by people from Wisconsin and the 
New England States. The school houses are also 
used on Sundays as places of worsliip by the different 
denominations. There are also three other good 
school buildings, one near the centre of the town, the 
other two in the eastern portion, in all of which schools 
are kept during the school terms of the year. 

The German Methodists have a neat frame church 
situated about a mile east of the Catholic church, in 
which regular meetings are held every Sabbath, also a 
flourishing Sabbath school, with a large regular atten- 
dence. Sabbath schools are also held at each of the 
public school houses. 

In 1866 Peter Meis built a store near the CathoUc 
church, and opened a grocery and saloon, but sold to 
John Simmer in 18 G7, which is the only store in the 
town. 

The first hotel was opened in 1856 by James 
Archer in the northwestern part of the town, which 
is one of the best buildings for a hotel in the country. 
In 1864 George Sieben opened a small house called 
" The Farmers' Home." 

Charles Kranz opened a blacksmith shop in 1856, 
which he operated some three or four years, when he 
abandoned the shop and paid his entire attention to 
farming. In the following year John P. Thorn opened 
another blacksmith shop near the Catholic church, but 
only continued business about two years, when he re- 
moved to Ilastino^s. James W. Whitford now carries 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 81 

on the business near Archer's Hotel, and is also exten- 
sirely engaged in farming. There is a small shop near 
the Catholic church. 

A Mr. Knipperauth operates a shoe shop n6ar the 
Catholic church. Peter Eck was the first shoemaker 
in town, having commenced operations in 1856. 

The town is well supplied with mechanics to build 
houses and other buildings, so that the people are very 
independent. 

The soil a black sandy loam, very productive, well 
timbered, and very fairly waiered, and where it is nec- 
essary to dig wells w^ateris found at a depth of from 
twenty to thirty feet. 

The town was organized in 1858, and Gilbert McM. 
McKay was elected Chairman of Supervisors, and 
J. S. Hazelton Town Clerk. The following gentlemen 
have served as Chairman and Town Clerk since that 
time: 

Chairman. Cleric. 

Porter Martin. G. McM. McKay. 

Martin Poor. G. McM. McKay, 

P. Havord. G. McM. McKaV.- 

J. H. Whitford. ^. F. W. Kranz. 

Joseph Stumphf, INT. F. W. Kranz. 

James Brownell. Francis Gores. 

The Justices of the Peace have been as follows : 
Isaac K. Halton, A. Campfield, John Kranz, Gilbert 
McM. McKay, H. G. Shepardson, Eugene Thein, 
John Greer, Nicholas Kranz, "W. H. Wales, Mcbolas 
Lies, N. Keplinger. 

There are two Post Offices. One called New Trier, 
M. Berscheite, P. M., and Hampton, II. G. Shepard- 
son, P. M. 



8:2 , HISTORY OP DAKOTA COTTSTT. 



ISTXlSTXHTG-JIlJEb. 




^ETEK M. and Henry Caleff made claims in 
'the township on the 12th of August, 1852, and 
in the September following moved their fami- 
lies. John Bassett took a claim adjoining that, 
of Peter M. Caleff in August, 1853. Others followed 
soon after and the settlement grew apace. On the 
5th of February 1854, Peter M. Califf and Miss Eliza- 
beth Truax, of J^ininger, were joined in wedlock 
at Point Douglas, across the river, in Washington 
county. The ceremony was performed by Kev. Mr. Hall. 
The first death occurred in 1854, in the spring, when 
a Mrs. Yan Devier passed to that bourne from whence 
no traveler returns. The first birth was that of a 
child to John and Amelia Bassett, in 1855. 

In 1856 TVarren Carle taught a school, and about 
the same time a Miss Twitchell opened another school. 
These were the first schools taught in the town. This 
year Rev. E. W. Cressy held the first religious service. 

In August of this year Mr. L. Faiver opened a store 
and commenced selling dry goods and groceries, and 
Charles Yeager built a hotel. 

The population now began to increase rapidly and 
the hamlet to assume the proportions of a village. 

On the 25th of July, 1857, the Hastings Indepen^ 
de?it, in speaking of IS'ininger, says : "It is delightfully 
situated on an abrupt eminence on the west bank of 
the Mississippi river, four miles west of Hastings. It 
has a good landing, and after reaching the table land 



HISTORY. OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 83^ 

charms the eye with the scenery it commands. It is 
seven months old and has a population of ahout 500, 
several dry goods stores, groceries, &c." 

The vote of Nininger in 1858 was over 200. A 
newspaper was started and business was at high tide. 
But the reaction was too heavy for it and the village 
began to " advance backwards*" with great rapidity, 
and the present vote is not nearly one-half what it was 
ten years ago. 

Jn 1859 Ignatius Donnelly was elected Lieut. Gov- 
ernor of Minnesota, and re-elected in 1861. In 1862 
he was elected to represent the Second District in Con- 
gress, was re-elected in 1864: and again in 1866, and 
is the present incumbent. 

The Emigrant Aid Journal was] the first^attempt 
at a newspaper in Kininger. It was a large eight 
column paper, devoted to laying before immigrants 
the advantages of settling in Dakota county, and the 
town of Nininger in particular. But the expense of 
publishing so large a paper largely excelled the in- 
come and it was discontinued after about six months. 
In 1861 Messrs. Lindergreon & Hobblitt tried the 
doubtful experiment of newspaper publishing in Nin- 
inger, but after a few months of trial abandoned the 
project as unsuccessful. 

The village has gradually subsided, till there is no 
village left, neither stores or shops in town, and nearly 
the only landmark of its former 2:)rosperity and great- 
ness is the residence of Hon. Ignatius Donnelly, 
which stands on an eminence overlooking the town 
and a large extent of country ,''as well as a long sweep 
of the Mississippi river. 



84: HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 



ILEB^IsrOTsr. 




■EB ANOIS', lying directly west ofRosemount, 
is bounded on the north by Eagan, east by 
Kosemount, south by Lakeville, and west by 
Burnsville, and was first settled by James Eyan 
in 1854. And though others soon followed, his was 
the first claim, and to him belongs the honor of being 
the first and oldest settler in the town. About one 
half of the town is prairie and the other half about 
equally divided between timber lands and openings, 
making a diversity very pleasing to farmers, as it af- 
fords plenty of prairie and openings for. cultivation, 
and timber for building, fences, and fuel. The soil is 
a rich, black loam, to the depth of one and a half or 
two feet, resting on a clay subsoil of several feet in 
depth, and produces in abundance every variety of 
grain whose seed is committed to its care. 

The rites of wedlock were first performed for the 
benefit of Mr. Gr. Elliot and Miss Dora Morse, in 1857, 
when these two took upon themselves the responsibil- 
ity of loving and cherishing each other till death should, 
them part. How faithfully they performed their con- 
tract our informant did not tell. Mrs. Almira Potter 
was the first summoned to the thither shore of the 
dark river, in 1856. The first school was taught in 
1857, and in 185G was held the first rehgious ser- 
vice, at which Kev. IT. Porter officiated. There is no 
church edifice in Lebanon, though the people of this 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 85 

town united with those of Kosemoiint and erected just 
across the line of that town a very neat house of wor- 
ship, at a cost of about $2,500, the expense being borne 
nearly equally by the towns. The house belongs to 
the Methodist Episcopal denomination, and is consid- 
ered a model for country churches. Services are held 
regularly eveiy Sabbth by Kev. J. Shaffher. 
The house was dedicated for worship in December, 
1867. 

At the time of the organization of the town in 1858, 
Mr. Yerrill was elected Chairman of Supervisors, and 
T. C. Carpenter Town Clerk, and since that time the 
following named persons have iilled those offices : 
Chairman of Supervisors. Town Clerk. 

1859— B. Yerrill. T. C. Carpenter. 

1860 — B. M. James. James Thompson. 

1861 — D. Haines. James Thompson. 

1862— T. C. Carpenter. James Elhott. 

1863— T. C. Carpenter. John Oilman. 

1864— T. C. Carpenter. John Gilman. 

1865 — T. C. Carpenter. James Thompson. 

1866— T. C. Carpenter. M. II. Sullivan. 

1867— J. B. Gilman. M. II. Sulliyan. 

1868— J. B. Gilman. M. II. Sullivan. 

The town is progressing as rapidly as most of the 
others with an excellent soil, well watered and close 
to market are. Lebanon sent twenty-five men to the 
war and paid them $1,500 bounty. Land is held at 
from $25 to $35 per acre. 



mSTOET OF DAXOTA COUNTY. 



BTJI^l^rS'V^IXilLS. 




•"DRNSYILLE was first occupied in 1853 by . 
William Burns and family, coneicting of hk ' 
wife and five 8ono, who emigrated from Canada i 
tlie same year. He settled in the northwest 
corner of the town, near the mouth of Credit Eiver, 
and where is the present station of Hamilton on the I 
Minnesota Yalley Eailroad. A family by the name 
of McCoy also settled here this year. 'No other set- 
tlers came till 1854:, when Steven JS'ewell, his father, 
Francis IsTewell, and their family, from Chicago, made 
claims, and during the year a large number of others 
came and built up quite a settlement. At once enter- 
ing upon the practical duties of preparing permanent 
homes for themselves, they built dwellings for their 
temporal shelter, and the same year erected a com- 
fortable house of worship. It was built of logs, but 
answered all purposes for private worship. All the i 
settlers thus far were Catholic Irish, and consequently^) 
gave freely of their substance for the erection of the 
church. The first religious service was held at the 
house of William Burns, in the fall of 1853, by Father | 
Eavoux, parish priest of Mehdota. 

The first birth was that of Kate Kearney, a daugh- 
ter of James Kearney, in 1854:, and the first marriage 
ceremony was celebrated in 1856, by Father Eavoux 
joining in wedlock Miss Ellen Bonan and Mr. James 
Lynn. 



il 



HISTOEY OF DAKOTA COUNTY* 8T 

The first death was that of a gentleman named 
O'Hare, father-in-law of Mr. McCoj, in 1854, The 

,, next to follow was Mr. Francis Newell, in 1855. 
These two were buried in a little grove, on an emi- 

fnence overlooking a large extent of country, known as 

aTeepee Kill, which had been used by the Sioux as a 

iburjing ground. 

t A large number of Sioux Indians had their camp- 

■ ing ground along the banks of the Minnesota river, 
; and were oftentimes very troublesome, though never 
s offering \aolence. 

• The Minnesota Yalley railroad runs through Burns- 
;ville on the north, Hamilton station being just across 
f line in Scott county. The town is bounded on the 
I north by the Minnesota river, on the east by Eagan 

■ jind Lebanon, south by Lakeville and west by Glen- 
] dale in Scott county. 

In 185T a log school house was built and a schoox 
taught by Andrew Carberry. There are now two 
t large frame buildings for school purposes, in which 
schools have been taught during all school terms. The 
Catholics have also erected a fine frame church, 40x80 
feet, on the site of the old log one, also a neat and 
•ommodious residence for the pastor, Eev. A. Oster, and 
have supported regular preaching for the past ten years. 

One of the school houses is located on the land of 
Thomas Hogan, a liberal and educated man, to whom 
is due in a great measure the high standard of educa- 
tion and the schools of that town. 

There has never been but one saloon in the town, 
and that was kept open but a short time, when the 



88 HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 

women took the matter in hand* and with the assis- 
tance of Mr. Steven ]N"ewell, the Sheriff of the county, 
the concern was at once closed up, and no one has 
since yentured to start the business. 

In 1857 T. J. Burns was elected to the (Constitu- 
tional Convention. In 1859 Mr. Steven l^ewell was 
elected to the Legislature, but his seat was contested 
on the ground of some illegal votes. After remaining 
a member for. about thirty days he gave his seat 
to his contestant. In 1863 Steven ISTewell was elected 
Sheriff of Dakota county, re-elected in 1865 and again 
in 186T. Thomas Hogan was elected Chairman of 
Supervisors in 1858, and has been re-elected each suc- 
ceeding year. Steven Newell was elected first Town 
Clerk, and held the office five years, Michael Connelly 
having held it the balance of the time. 

The northern portion of the town lies in the valley 
of the Minnesota river, and its rich alluvial soil is of 
the best cpality for meadow lands, and large amounts 
of hay are cut each- year for supplying the St. Paul 
and other markets. The balance of the town is high, 
rolling openings, of fair quality of soil, and produces 
excellent crops. There are no large streams of water, 
and no water power, though there is a fair supply of 
water for stock, &c., from springs and small rivulets. 

The people are of an industrious, sober, intelligent 
class, avoiding quarrels as they would a pestilence. 
Law suits are rarely known in the community, and the 
Sheriff in the discharge of his duties is seldom under 
the necessity of visiting his own town. 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 89 



s:m::pi:re. 



•%^^,^^^1-IE town of Empire lies nearly in the centre 
of Dakota county, and is bounded by Rose- 
mount on the north, Yermillion on the east, 
Castle Rock on the south, and Lakeville on the 
west. It embraces just an even government township 
of thirty -six sections of as fine hxnd as any township to 
be found in the country, and as a natural consequence 
was settled at an early day in the history of the coun- 
ty. In 1854, C; R. Rollins, A. Amidon, and a broth- 
er of Mr. Amidon, located on the Yermillion river near 
where is now the village of Farmington, and com- 
menced agricultural operations preparatory to sowing 
grain the next season. L. Fish, E. P. Whittier and 
a Mr. Laird, came into the town the same year, and 
made claims on the route of the present road from St. 
Paul to Cannon Falls. From this commencement the 
settlement of the county around about progressed very 
rapidly, audit was not long before the prairie was dot- 
ted all over with claim shanties, and soon some com- 
fortable dwellings were to bo seen along the route. 
The first house was built bv Mr. Thos. Laird, near the 
centre of the town. In 185G, ^[r. Laird built a large 
frame house and opened it as a hotel. This was a 
great improvement, as the travel through this section 
had become considerable, and the lack of accommoda- 
tions for travelers was severely felt. The first store was 
opened by Mr. N. Amidon, in 1857, about one mile 



90 HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTT. 

from the present village of Farmington, in the house 
which is now the residence of Mr. Orcutt. The sec- 
ond enterprise of this nature was entered upon by 
James Tuttle, who opened a stock of goods in the 
building known as the Barkaloe House, which was al- 
so used as a hotel. The goods were afterwards re- 
moved to the house which is the present residence of 
Major Donaldson. In I860, Mr. Ahdon Amidon 
opened his house as a hotel, and for several years and 
until the railroad was built, this was made a station for 
the stages running on that route. In 1866, Mr. Ami- 
don sold his farm and built a large and commodious 
hotel at the new village of Farmington, on the railroad, 
where he served the public as mine host till 1868, when 
he sold to Mr. Wm. E. Hull, the present proprietor. 

In the early days of the settlement the Indians were 
very numerous, and hundreds would frequently make 
their camping ground on the farms of the settlers. In 
one instance a band of some 500 camped on the farm 
of Mr. Alidon Amidon, the chief of which carried with 
him, nicely packed between shingles, a copy of a treaty 
entered into between the government and his tribe in 
1812. 

The first birth and death of a white person in Em- 
pire was that of a child of Alidon Amidon, in Septem- 
ber, 1856. The first marriage was celebrated between 
a German and Miss Laird, daughter of Thos. Laird, 
in 1856. In the summer of 1855 a school was taught 
by Mrs. Leverett Wellman. 

There are now four school houses in which schools 
are tauglit during the usual school terms of the year, 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 91 

and two neat and commodious churcli edifices. In 
1858 the town was organized under the name of Em- 
pire City, at which time the following named persons 
were chosen to administer tlie town governmenit : 

Supervisors — George II. Moody, Chairman ; Chas. 
Porter and Jessee Ives, Associates. 

Tow7i Clerk — Charles E. KolKns. 

Assessor — E. P. Whittier. 

Collector— Gr. W. Porter. 

Overseer of Poor — Ephraim Fish. 

Justices of the Peace — A. J. Irvine, Caleb Smitli. 

Constahles — Daniel Felton, A. Amidon. 

Those who have officiated as Chairman of Supervi- 
sors and Town Clerk since that time, are as follows : 

Chairman of Supervisors. Toion Clerk. 

1859— Kev. J. O. Eich, elected and 
resigned; C. E. Eollins, ap- 
pointed. C. E. Eolhns. 
1860— K Amidon. J. Tuttle. 
1861— W. W. Cummings. '' 
1862— Caleb Adams. " " 
1863— Charles Porter. " 
1864— A, S. Bradford. . K E. Slack. 
1865— " '' " '' 
1866— A. Whittier. H. N. Hosmer. 
1867— C. L. Hosmer. H. C. Wing. 
1868—11. Lamb. " '' 

The soil varies but little from that of other towns. 
The YermilUon river runs through the town, and has 
a sufficient fall to make good power for turning ma- 
7 



92 HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 

chinery, but it has never been improved in consequence 
of the necesity of flowing so much vahiable land by 
reason of building dams. 

At the time of the first settlement, seed wheat was 
brought from Iowa, for which 82.25 per bushel was 
paid Prairie wolves were close neighbors to the set- 
tlers, and would frequently sit on the do^r steps and 
make the night dreary by their bowlings. 

In 1865, when the Minnesota Central Kailroadwas 
completed through to Faribault, a station was made at 
Farmington, it being then only a farming community, 
but being very near the centre of the county, the pop- 
ulation rapidly increased, stores and a hotel were built 
and business opened up during the summer of 1866 
very lively. The farmers found it an excellent thing 
to have a market for their wheat and other products 
at their own doors, and trade and barter were kept on 
the increase till in 1S67, the people of the town and 
vicinity became ambitious to have the county-seat re- 
moved from Hastings on the Mississippi river to this 
village. In accordance with these views a bill was in_ 
troduced into the Legislature and passed, authorizing 
a vote to be taken on that question at the general elec- 
tion. The excitement ran pretty high, but the meas- 
ure was lost by between 506 and 600 votes. The vil- 
lage has now several hundred inhabitants, and nearly 
all kinds of business are represented. There are of 
dry goods dealers, Messrs. Taylor & McLaren, IIos- 
mer & Judson, Joseph Knowles, H. M. & H. E. 
Humphrey, Jerry McCarty, J. M. Courtwright, and 
Dr. Torgeson. 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. V»- 

j^urniiure — C. K. Kollins, H. G, Winters. 

Harness — G. W. Chamberlain, Pluramer & Co. ^ 

Hotels — Occidental Hotel, "W". E. Hull proprietor. 

Blaclcsmiihs — David France, J. Weichselbanghmj, 
Geo. Cable. 

Drug Stores — Fluke & Thurston, Dr. Torgeson. ^ 

Lawyers— 'E. A. Gove, K. W. Judson. 

Printing — Farmington Telegraph,' F. J. Mead, 

Physicians — L. P. Dodge, J. G. Bemis, Dr. Tor- 
gerson, T. N. Berlin. 

Harchuare — Atz & Lower. 

ShoemaJcer — H. Whitaker. 

Insurance — R. J. Chewning, E. A. Gove. 

Milliner — Mrs. Hendryx. 

Machine Shop—R. C. Wing & Co. 

There are three tailor shops, one lumber yard, one 
feed store, two insurance agents, five saloons, one 
watchmaker, oae wagon shop, one restaurant, besides 
the buildings, depot, steam water tank and steam ele- 
vator, belonging to the railroad company. A lodge of 
Masons and one of Good Templars, the latter of whiclii. 
was organized on the 21st of May, 1866, with thirty- 
five charter members. At the close of the second' 
quarter the lodge numbered 171 members in good: 
standing, and at the end of the] first year it numbered' 
237. 

The only object of natural curiosity in this town is 
Chimney Rock, a large pillar^of sandstone standing 
alone on the prairie — is some twenty feet high and 
about twelve feet in diameter at its base, and gradually 
diminishing in size towards the top. 



^4: HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 

Ill the spring of 186S, a newspaper was established 
^at Farrnington, under the control of Frank J. Mead, 
•which still flourishes, and does its full share in build- 
iing up the town, and laving before the public the ad- 
^ vantages and facilities for getting rich, in the country 
.around about. 

In 1866, Maj. J. II. Donaldson was elected to rep- 
"resent this portion of the county in the State Legisla- 
-ture, and in 1867 R. J. Chewning to the same posi- 
tion. He was also re elected in 1868. 

The people ot Farrnington have the present year 
■built a fine school building at a cost of some $6,000 
■ or §8,000. The building is a fine structure and does 
:great credit to the town and its enterprising inhabi- 
tants. The architecture of the house was planned by 
J. Larmour, Esq,, of Minneapolis. The School Board 
. -is composed as follov/s : J. P. Fluke, L. P. Dodge, 
:. md C. Pv. Rollins. 



:E]JLG--A.isr. 



-•^^^TPJCK EAGAIN", Robert O'Keil, Thos. 

■^^^ Fanning, James Wescott, and Edward Barry 
were the first settlers in what is now the town 

_„ ^ of Eagan. They camo in the year 1853, and 
selected land for farms, and located thereon. But few 
•settlers had yet arrived in any part of the county, and 

at Mendota was the nearest point of trade, and almost 
the nearest neighbors. In tlie spring of 1854- some 
'Other families located in tlie same vicinity, and all be- 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. y5»- 

ing good Catholics, tliej soon had the means for hold-- 
ing religions se^^ices, and Rev. Father Kavoux, parisli-t 
priest at Mendota, held the first meeting in the hon&e :- 
of Edward Dowling, as also seyeral successive ones,, 
and mass was had at different houses in the settlement', 
as the population began to increase. 

In 1855 a school was opened in the house of Tbosi . 
Fanning, and taught bj Michael Dowling. Thiis- 
early in the existence of the settlement they took 
means to enlarge their ideas and cultivate their minds, 
taking an advance step in the cause of education. 

In 1855 Mr. Thomas Westcott opened his house as 
a tavern, which is the only one ever in the town. It 
was called one of the best on the route, and many a 
weary traveller has thanked his "lucky stars" that he 
arrived at Wescott's ere the night set in to expose him , 
to the inclemency of the weather. 

Iso blacksmith shop was started till 1860, when Mr. . 
Robert Myers bought the necessary tools, a bellows - 
and forge, and commenced operations. 'No other shops 
have been built in town. One grocery store and sa- 
loon w^as put in operationinl865, by Alexander Huor,.. 
at the crossing of the Mendota and St. Paul roads,.,., 
which comprises the whole of the trade both whole- 
sale and retail, in that line. 

The are three school houses in town and schools :~ 
taught in each the time usualty prescribed by law and^- 
generally more than double that number of months iiL-^ 
each year. 

The land ' is principally oak openings with a some- 
what rolling surface, quite sandy and not as good fozr 



%§ HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 

raising wheat and heavy grains as in some other parts 
of tthe county, yet corn and oats attain the highest 
perfection of anywhere in this section. 

Kobert O'^tTeil was elected from this town as a Rep- 
resentative in the Territorial Legislature in 1857; has 
served a number of years as county commissioner, and 
in 1859 was chosen County Treasurer. Michael 
Comer was elected County Treasurer in 1861, and 
re-elected in 1863-1865-1867, and is the present in- 
cumbent. Tins is a tribute of respect and confidence 
rarely bestowed upon any man, especially in a new 
country, where the population is generally so transient 
and changing. 

The Milwaukee, St. Paul and Minneapolis railroad 
.runs through the town from north to south, and has 
a station called "Wescott, near the residence of Mr. 
James Wescott. 



■^ElI^Ivd:Ix.ILIOI^^. 




^ERMILLIOlSr was first settled in 1854, by 
Moses Cole, Andrew Warsop, Robert Greig, 
John Barber and Eugene Dean, who located in 
the northeast part of the town, while R. J. 
Smith, Samuel Brown, John McKay and Daniel Cad- 
well located the same year near the west line, and 
William Cole and Robert Barrington in the southeast. 
Those who could do so built houses, while the others 
-hastily erected claim shanties and inhabited them till 
? ikev could find better. 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 97 

The first birth in Vermillion was that of Harriett 
Cole, a daughter of Moses and Mary Cole, in 185T. 
A daughter of J. D. Searles died the same year, which 
was the first death of a white person in town. The 
first marriage was consummated between Martin 
Ennis and Lucy Barrington, the time we have been 
unable to learn. Divine worship was first had in a 
log house belonging to Mr. John Cole. The sermon 
was preached by Rev. Levi Countryman. William 
Chapman taught the first school in the winter of 
1S5T-S. 

When the town was organized in 1858, the name 
Yermilllon was chosen as the most appropriate, from 
the fact of the Yermillion river running through it, by 
which it is principally watered. 

The officers chosen at the first election were as fol- 
lows : Supervisors — A. H. ItTorriss, Chairman, Moses 
Cole, Samuel Brown; Justices — Robert Greig and 
Daniel Cadwell; Town Clerk — Andrew Warsop; 
Constable and Collector — William E. Jones. 

There are no churches in the town. Religious ser- 
vices are generally held in the school houses, of which 
there are several, in which schools are taught through 
all the school terms in the year. 'No stores or hotels 
in Yermillion have ever been put in operation. 

There are several small groves of poplar and oak 
timber in difi'erent parts of the town, which add beauty 
to the landscape and furnish fuel and fencing for the 
farmers. 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 



i^^^^;^E3^3^ JL . 




[AYENNA was settled in 1854, by Corban 
Speeks, P. W. Elliott, Thos. Ells, H. C. Love- 
' joj and Hngli Sherry, all of wliom made claims 
and located on thera. In 1855 these settlers 
were followed by A. J. Henry, Simon Weaver, Sam- 
uel Mathews and several others, and quite a colony 
was founded. 

The first birth in Ravenna township was a son to 
P. W. Elliott in 1854. The first death was that of 
Mr. Corban Speeks on the 5th day ol February, 1856. 
The first marriage was that of II. C. Lovejoy and 
Miss Harriett Elliott, in July of 1856. 

The boundaries of the town are as follows : !N^orth 
by Hastino-s and the Mississippi river, east by Good- 
hue county, south and west by Marshan. The town 
is somewhat irregular in its boundaries, a small part 
running up to the river east of Hastings, making the 
city of Hastings from a small part of the western 
boundary. 

There is no water power or mills in Ravenna, no 
blacksmith or other shops. Adjoining the city of 
Hastings in such close proximity the business is princi- 
pally transacted in that city. 

In 1856 a school district was organized which com- 
prised the towns of Ravenna and Marshan, and a 
school was opened near the south line of Ravenna, in 
a log house belonging to A. J. Henry, and Miss 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 99 

Mcirgaret Ellis installed as teacher. This was the first 
training of the young idea how to shoot, and to aim 
high in the attainment of knowledge. 

Religious service was held in the same year by Rev. 
Mr. Johnson, at the house of the widow of Corban 
Specks, and occasional services were held thereafter 
at the houses of the residents, until school houses were 
built, when those were used as places of religious wor- 
ship by the different denominations. 

The Yermillion river runs throusrh the town from 
north to south, nearly in the center, giving an abun- 
dant supply of water for the use of stock, but affording 
no power for driving machinery. Trudell Slough, 
in the northern part, also affords plenty of water for 
that section. About one-third of Ravenna is quite 
low, lying on the Mississippi river, and in times of 
high water is overflowed, but being covered with 
heavy timber or a luxuriant growth of grass, is con- 
sidered quite as valuable as any portion of land in the 
county. 

Ravenna comprises only about twenty-two sections 
of land, being only three miles in width from north to 
south, atid six from east to west, with an ell lying on 
the east of Hastings along the Mississippi river. 

The attention of the people has been entirely turned 
to agriculture, conseqiiently the history of their pro- 
gress is somewhat uneventful, and can be chronicled 
in few words. They are growing rich by cultivating 
the soil. ■^•'^^^- , 



100 HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 



IMULIS/SKCJ^l^r. 




EORGE EGBEET located in tlie northeast 
rpart of this town in August, 1854:, and a Mr. 
Lyon in the northwest corner, near the city of 
Hastings, in the spring. These two gentlemen 
the only settlers that year. In 1855 Messrs. 
Simpson, Tahey, Westbury, John Judge. John 
and Thomas Burke and several others made claims 
and located thereon. 

Marshan is bounded on the north by Hastings and 
Rayenna, on the east by Eavenna and Goodhue county, 
on the south by Goodhue county and the town of 
Douglas in Dakota county, and on the west by the 
town of Yermillion. The town of Marshan, though 
comprising the requisite number of sections for an 
even township, is very irregular in shape, being 
formed somewhat in the shape of a letter L — being 
nine miles from east to west on the south boundary, 
the eastern six miles being only three miles in width 
from north to south, and the western three six miles 
in width. 

In 1856 a village site was platted near the centre of 
the town, and a tavern house built by Curtis & Co., 
which was opened for accommodating travelers the 
same season. In 1867 the building was burned down, 
and rebuilt again the same season, and is now kept by 
Daniel Eyan. 

The first death occurred in the latter part of Febru- 
ary, 1856. A man from near Cannon Eiver,in Good- 
hue county, on his return from Hastings to his home, 



1 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUXTY. 101 

was overcome by the extreme cold and an overdose 
of liquor, and was frozen to death on the highway, 
near the residence of Thomas Howes. A coroner was 
appointed to hold an inquest, but the friends of the 
deceased having learned of his fate had removed the 
body before the coroner arfived, consequently no in- 
quest was held. 

The first marriage in Marshan was that of James 
Sally and Miss Susan "Wick, in the year 1858, the 
ceremony being performed by George Egbert, Esq. 
The circumstances attending, made it rather a novel 
wedding. It seems the parties were engaged to be 
married in a few weeks from the time the transaction 
actually occuired, but one day at the dinner table the 
conversation turned upon the marriage ceremony and 
Esquire Egbert proposed they should stand up to- 
gether and he would see if he remembered how to 
perform the marriage ceremony. They complied and 
made the proper responses, and the justice found that 
he remembered perfectly well how to • solemnize a 
marriage, and the happy pair were made one with- 
out their knowledge of the fact, but with their 
full consent. Before intorming them of their new 
happiness Mr. Egbert sent word to the neighbors 
and friends to call at his home that evening, and when 
the company gathered and music and dancing were 
the order of exercises, they were informed that they 
were husband and wife according to the laws of Min- 
nesota, and in truth all went merry as a marriage bell. 

The first religious service was held at the house of 
George Egbert, in 1856, a Bev. Mr. Johnson from 
Red Winer officiatins^. 



102 HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 

The Catholics have a very neat church edifice near 
the centre of the town at a place called Bellewood, 
Tvhich is the only house of worship yet erected, other 
denominations holding serdce in the diiferent school 
houses, of which there are five, four frame houses and 
one huilt of brick. In each of these, schools are taught 
durino: the school season of the year. 

The eastern portion of Marshan is mostly covered 
with a fine growth of timber, and the western is made 
up of openings and prairie. The town is watered by 
the Yermillion river running through it and by nu- 
merous springs and small streams. The northeast 
corner of the town is cut ofiT from the main land by a 
small branch or slough from the Mississippi river. 

John Connor operates a brick yard in the eastern 
part of the town, where the clay is said to be of the 
best quality, and the brick are much sought after for 
building purposes. 

The average of wheat in Marshan, taking the years 
together, is about twenty bushels per acre. 

The people have chosen the following gentlemen as 
Chairman of Supervisors and Town Clerk : 
Chairman of Supervisors. Tovm Clerk. 

1858— L. L. Ferry. iilonzo Mather. 

1859 — Georsre Esfbert. Alonzo Mather. 

1860 — George Egbert. Adrian Egbert. 

1861 — Nicholas McGree. George Egbert. 

1862— John L. Eedding. A. B.^ Phalon. 

1863— John L. Bedding. A. B. Phalon. 

1864— T. Gipson. A. B. Phalon. 

1865— William Kingston. A. B. Phalon. 

1866— WiUiam Kingston. A. B. Phalon. 



UISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. lOt 



:E^osElv^OTJJ:^^T. 



^/-.^^HE town of Eosemount is bounded oh the- 
1^ north by Eagan and Inver Grove, east by In- 
ver Grove south by Empire, and west by Leb- 

\i^^pi-anon. It contains twenty-four sections of land 
being oblong in form, having six sections from east to 
west, and four from north to south. The soil is of as good 
quality as can be found in any section of the country, 
being mostly of a dark loam, and especially adapted 
to raising wheat, which is the principal production of 
this as well as most other towns in the county, though 
large quantities of oats and barley are raised each year. 
The face of the country in this town is somewhat di- 
yersified, though mostly it is a rolling prairie, yet 
there are some portions covered with scattering native 
oaks, and here and there a lovely little lake serre to 
lighten up and beautify the landscape. Keegan's 
Lake, about a mile north of the railroad station is a 
beautiful little sheet of water, covering quite a number 
of acres of ground, and having a small island near the 
centre, gives it a quite romantic and picturesque ap- 
pearance. The railroad runs over one end of it, and 
travelers always gaze on it with delight and admira- 
tion. It was named Keegan's Lake from the fact of 
Andrew Keegan owning a farm adjoining it. The 
town was first settled in ISo-i. 

In 1855 a post office was established, and the name 
of Eosemount was adopted. Andrew Keegan was op- 



104: HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 

pointed Postmaster. In 1858 when Minnesota became 
a State and townships were organized under State au- 
thority, the name of Eosemonnt was applied to the 
town. 

The first birth in this town was that of Margaret 
Conniff, and occurred on election day, 1855, which 
was the 2d Tuesday of October, and the 13th day of 
the month. The first death was that of Eliza Keegan, 
a daughter of a brother of Andrew Keegan, of about 
two years of age, who died in January, 1855. 

The first religious service in this town was held at 
the house of John Murphy, by Rev. Father Tissont^ 
a- Eoman Catholic priest, a missionary. The first 
school was taught in 1858 by Miss Margaret Cannings 
There are now three school houses in the town, and 
considerable attention is given to the subject of educa- 
tion. In 1867 the Methodists of Rosemount and Leb- 
anon united and built a very neat and commodious 
church edifice near the southwest corner of Rosemount, 
where all unite on common ground to join in the wor- 
ship of him who united all in the universal brother- 
hood of man. 

In 1858 a Mrs. Morrison built the first hotel in the 
town, vvdiich she still keeps open for the accommoda- 
tion of " the traveling public." Harry Hines built a 
store in 1860. Another hotel was also opened near 
Mrs. Morrison's some time after, but patronage was 
not sufiicient to keep it in operation, and it was closed 
as a hotel. The store built by Mr. Haines is now 
kept by Messrs. Lester & Hardick. 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 105 

In 18(j6 after the establishment of a depot in this 
town, Neheley opened a small dry goods and grocery 
store, and this present year several others have com- 
menced the experiment. Frank Gallon and Ed. 
McManomy have each opened stores, James Conway a 
saloon, and Ole Peterson a shoe shop. Dr. C. C. 
Knight is the resident physician, John Foster has a 
blacksmith shop, Frank Gallon a wagon shop, and 
Daniel Underwood a butcher shop. 

There was received and shipped from this station 
during the year 1867 36,000 bushels of wheat. T. D. 
Yan Hoovenburg is the station agent and telegraph 
operator. 

Eosemount, hke the rest of the country in the vicin- 
ity, bears on its bosom and in the generous soil the 
elements of substantial wealth to all who earnestly 
work to develope and bring these elements into active 
exercise, and no town or country can well present a 
more pleasing view than that afibrded to the traveler 
while passing through this town, on the cars. On 
either side as far as the eye can reach, are cultivated 
fielas, and during the period of growth and harvest 
the scene is especially lovely and pleasant to contem- 
plate. The fields of golden grain w^aiting for time to 
prepare them for the hand of the reaper, or when the 
shocks of wheat cover the ground these present the 
elements of wealth and sustenance to mankind. The 
very hill tops are crowded with fatness and the earth 
groans with the burden of her fullness and is laboring 
in travail throes to be delivered of tlie abundance of 
her material prosperity. 



106 HISTOPwY OF DAKOTA COI/NTY. 



Xj^:K:E-\riiLiLE. 



y^^^AKEYILLE was first settled in June, 1853, 
>ii^*t^ by J. J. Brackett, and G. Phelps, and in the 
^^^ fall of the same year bv George Palmer and 
^%^ a widow named Whalon and her son. Other 
claims were made, but none settled upon, except by 
T. W. Farnham, whose death occurred in the follow- 
ing February, from the effects of freezing his feet and 
legs, while on his way from St. Paul to Lakeyille. 
This was the first death which occurred in town. In 
the spring of 185-i, S. P, Buker, David France, John 
House, Jabez Smith, Willis B. Eeed and Samuel 
Dunn made claims and settled on them and went to 
work to make themselves homes. The most of them, 
of course, went to breaking up farms. David France 
opened a blacksmith shop and went to work to accom- 
modate the public with the benefits of his trade. Xo 
hotel was opened till 1855, when George Fagan 
opened his house for the accommodation of travelers 
and claim seekers. It was a log house near the shore 
of Prairie Lake, and though not large, there are many 
who can look back a few years and remember with 
grateful hearts the hospitalities meted out to them at 
the log cabin on the prairie. 

The first marriage ceremony was solemnized in 
1857, the parties being John Hartig and Dorothy 
Hartig. !N"o change of name but merely a change of 
circumstances in life, or in military parlance, a ''change 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 107 

of base." upon wliicli line they proposed to fight the 
battle of life till death should claim one or both of them. 

In the winter of 1855, William Cummirigs taught 
the first school that was opened in Lakeville, while 
the first religious service was held in Aj^ril of the same 
year, Rev. John McMann ofiiciating, at the house of 
Michael Johnson. 

In 1854:, in the month of August, J. J. Brackett, 
who had entered into a contract with the government 
to carry the mail from St. Paul to Faribault, delivered 
the first mail at the post office of Lakeville. Four 
days were allowed by the terms of the contract, in 
which to convey it between these points. G. Phelps 
was the first postmaster and was appointed in 1854. 
The first birth was that of Anna Casey, daughter of 
Hoger and Mary Casey in the spring of 1859. 

The first town election, in 1858, was held at the 
house of J. J. Brackett, Mr. Brackett being elected 
Chairman of Supervisors and Justice of the Peace. 

In 1855 a Mr. Connelly of St. Paul opened a store 
of goods, and about the same time D. C. Johnson and 
M. Sherman also opened a store and hotel in the build- 
ing now occupied by Mr. Ackley. In 1856, S. P. 
Buker established another store in Lakeville, and for a 
while trade was made quite brisk by competition. 

About two-thirds of the town is a beautiful rollins: 
prairie, with a soil not excelled by any in the county or 
State. The balance is composed principally of oak 
openiugs interspersed with occasional groves of fine 
timber, which afibrd a fair supply for the necessities 
of the inhabitants. 
8 



lOS HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 

The Yermillion river, or one branch of it, takes its 
rise in Lakeville, ^vhich is tlie only stream- of any 
size the town. There are two beautiful little Lakes, that 
furnish an abundant supply of excellent fish and the 
best of sport for the disciples of Isaak "Walton. Prairie 
Lake, from which the town takes its name, is about 
one and a half miles in diameter, with clear water, 
and sand bottom, with shores so gently inclining to the 
water, in places, that one may drive a carriage for 
some distance into the lake without the least danger. 
In other places the banks are abrupt and the water 
quite deep. The shores of Prairie Lake are quite 
noted as the resort of pleasure and picnic excursions. 
Crystal Lake also abounds in fine fish, and is a lovely 
sheet of water, adding great picturesqueness and beauty 
to the landscape. J. J. Brackett, the oldest settler, 
still has his home where he first located on the shores 
of Prairie Lake, and each year as he garners the pro- 
ducts of the soil, he blesses the Providence that cast 
his lot in a land of such wealth and beauty. 



nyEE3:srnDOT_A.. 



END OTA, situated on the south bank of the 
Minnesota, and on the east of the Mississi2)pi, 
^just at their confluence, is the oldest village in 
the State, and the former homestead of Hon. 
11. H. Sibley is the oldest private residence in 
Minnesota, having been commenced in 1886, and com- 
pleted 1837. The first settler in Mendota was Dun- 




illSTORY OF DAKOTxV COUJvTT. 109^' 

can Campbell, who established himself as en Indian 
trader about the year 1S20. He has a son of the same 
name now living in the village. Campbell was siic- 
cceded about the year 1825 by Jean B. Faribault, 
who removed thither from Pike's Island opposite, 
where he had resided several years and until driven 
by stress of weather to seek higher ground for his 
habitation, the Mississij^pi having overfiov\^ed its 
banks to such an extent that Mr, Faribault lost all his 
goods and possessions, except a (juantity of furs wHcii 
he saved in his boat. About 1828 Mendota became 
the the principal depot of the trade of the American 
Fur Company, in this region, and was placed in 
charge of Alexis Bailly, lately deceased. In 1834:'Mr. 
Bailly was succeeded by II. H. Sibley, who had a 
much larger district under his charge, as a partner: 
with Joseph Kouletle and II. L. Douseman (both now 
deceased) in the business of the 7\.merican Fur Com- 
pany, the two last named residing at Prairie du Chien^. 
and having charge of the trade that was tributarj to 
that central location. In 1819, Col. Leavenworth, in-^ 
command of United States troops, occupied a spot on . 
the south bank of the Minnesota river, and opposite . 
the present site of Fort Snelling^ where they remained 
during the winter of 1819-20. During the winter the 
scurvy broke out in a most malignant form, and for 
some days raged so violently that garrison duty was • 
suspended, there being only well men enough in the 
command to attend to the sick and the interment of 
the dead. The attacks were frequently so sudden that 
persons wlio went to bed well at night were found 



fcilO HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 

dead in the morning. One man wlio when relieved 
Irom his j^ost of sentinel duty, stretched himself upon 
a bench in the guard room, four hours after, when 
called upon to resume his post, was found to be life- 
less. So fatal was tlie disease that nearly half the 
command perished. This is believed to be the only 
case of land scurvy making its appearance in this 
country. The troops continued to occupy quarters 
on the south side of the river till 1823, and some even 
as late as 1824, at which time Fort snelling was com- 
pleted and the whole command removed thither. 

.Daniel W. Hubbard was the first man to fell a tree 
on the camping ground, and to him is due the credit 
of felling the first tree to inaugurate civilization in 
Minnesota. All this was, however, previous to any 
settlement other than by government troops, except 
that of Duncan Campbell, the Indian trader. 

In 1851 Hon. Luke Lea, Commissioner of Indian 
Affairs, and Hon. Alex. Eamsey, acting for the gov- 
erament, effected a treaty at this point, with the upper 
bands of Dakotas or Sioux, which together witli the 
treaty entered into the same year, at Traverse des 
Sioux, eeded to the United States, all that vast coun- 
try claimed by them west of the Mississippi river. 

In 1817 Wisconsin was admitted as a State, leav- 
ing all those counties west of the St. Croix river 
without any government. Hon. H. H. Sibley, of 
Mendota, though residing on the opposite side of the 
Mississippi river, was elected to represent the inhabi- 
tants of that ungoverned country in Congress, they 
claiming that the act admitting a certain portion of 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. HE 

the Territory as a State did not abrogate the terri- 
torial organization. Mr. Sibley went on to Washing- 
ton and boldly claimed his seat as a delegate from 
"Wisconsin Territory, which after some delay was 
granted him. The Territory of Minnesota was or- 
ganized the same session, and Mr. Sibley was elected . 
to represent the new Territory in 1849, and again re- 
elected in 1851, thus serving during five consecutive- 
sessions of Congress, and representing two different 
territories, though all the -time residin'g at Mendota, 
At the time of the organization of Minnesota Territory 
in 1849 Hon. Stephen A. Douglas was strongly in 
favor of Mendota as the Capital of the Territory, but 
the delegate, Mr. Sibley, represented that his constitu- 
ents, or a majority of them, were in favor of St. Paul, 
£0 Mr. Douglas yielded to his solicitations, and St- 
Paul was designated as the Territorial capital. 

The first birth in Mendota was that of George Fari- 
bault, on the 2Sth of September, 1826. In 1834 H. 
H, Sibley built a store and opened up a stock of 
goods, which was the first store on the west side of 
the Upper Mississippi, and in 1S3Y Alexander Fari- 
bault built a stone hotel, which is still standing, and ■ . 
kept as a hotel by his son, George Faribault. 

A Canadian by the name of Lejendre taught the 
first school. The first church service was held by 
Kev. Father Ravoux, though at what time we have 
been unable to ascertain. It was the first point where - 
the Jesuit missionaries located, in this section of coTtn- -■ 
try. The Catholics erected a small building for a ^,. 
church, and after some years built the present ston&J^- 

/ 



'M^''' HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUKTY. 

edifice, wliicli stands oii tlie high bluff overlooking 
Fort Snelling and a large ex1i«nt of country, for many- 
miles around. Hon. II. II. Siblej built a small stone 
building to l>c used as a Protestant church, and which 
was used for that purpose for a number of years, but 
is now occupied as a scliool house. 

The former residence of General Siblej was sold bj 
Mm for a merely nominal sum to the Sisters of Char- 
ity of the order of St. Joseph, and is now occupied by 
them. 

Mendota was for some years the county seat ol Dfir 
kota county, but being on the extreme edge of the 
county, a majority of the people elected to have the 
county offices and records removed to the more pre- 
tentious village of Hastings, where tlicy are now lo- 
cated. 

The population is mostly French and Irish. The 
business ol the town is now represented by two dry 
^ods and grocery stores, one kept by Timothy Fee, 
the other by John Eoth ; two hotels, one by George 
Faribault, the other by Michael Lynch; two black- 
smith shops, by William Morrissey and Joseph Brau- 
dette ; two wagon shops, by Joseph Braudette and 
riavious Braudette. Civillo Boutillette and Edward 
Lemay have carpenter shops, while Michael Dupuis 
is the shoeinaker of the village. 

. Mendota furnished the first State Governor, 
Hon. H. H. Sibley, who was also Delegate to Con- 
gress for three successive terius, and member of the 
Constitutional Convention, and town officers as fol- 
lows ; 



I 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 116 

Chair ma ?i of Supervisors. Town. Cl^^h. 

185S— Patrick Eagan. G. S. "VYliitmnn. 

1859— Patrick Eac^an. G. S. Wliitinaii. 

I860— A. G. Shaffer. Jas. McBoal, appointed. 

ISCl— James McBoal. Philip Crowley. 

1862— P. P. Thompson. Pliilip Crowley. 
1863— P. B. Thompson. Philip Crowley. 
1861 — James Thompson. Phihp Crowley. 
1865— Michael Lynch. Philip Crowley. 

1866 — William Morrissey. Phihp Crowley. 
1867 — James Thomas. J. D. Rodgers, Jr. 

T. D. Smith, appointed. 
1868— C. A. Slivens. Phihp Crowley. 

J IT. Benson, appoiated. 

The Milwaukee, St. Paul and Minneapolis Eaiiroad 
makes a junction at this point with the Minnesota 
Yalle}^ Railroad, passengers for St. Paul or the Min- 
nesota Yalley taking the Yalley road, thoiagh mak- 
ing no change of cars for St. Paul. 

The Milwaukee and Minneapolis Railway at this 
point presents some of the finest features of engineer- 
ing to he found on any road in the country. As the 
train from Minneapolis runs directly under the brow 
of Fort Snelling on the north side of the Minnesota 
river, the high rock on which the Fort stands having 
been cut down some fifty or sixty feet to a level with 
the road bed, which is here some twenty-five or thirty 
feet above the river, and presents one of the finest 
spectacles to be seen, the towering and perpendicular 
cliff on one side and the swiftly flowing river fiir below 



114 HISTORY OF DAKOTA COU^'TT. 

on the other, while the cars glide smoothly along, 
hanging as it were on the verge of the hill, then pass- 
ing over a line of trestlework over the Minnesota 
river, and the lands adjacent thereto, till it reaches 
Mendota, where it begins its winding way to the table 
lands above. Passing over another line of trestle- 
work, and high over the track of the Yalley Eailroad 
it winds around the hill, and passengers looking from 
the car windows, see in the distance to the left the city 
of St. Paul, which gradually is lost to view as the train 
moves on, and soon, on looking from the window on 
the right, another city greets the vision, another and 
yet the same, for the train has moved around and up 
the hill till it is almost where it started from the depot, 
only highe? up and going in the opposite direction, 
and Port Snelling, which was passed some time since, 
is now standing on the right, and only across the 
river from where the train now stands. It is a spec- 
tacle worth a visit to the place to see. This wonder- 
ful piece of engineering, the commanding view to be 
had of the surrounding country from the bluifs, and 
the fact of its being the oldest settled town in the 
State, makes Mendota a place of much interest to 
visiters and pleasure seekers. 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 115 



HI^STin^TO-S. 




>E are under obligations to Dr. Tliomas 
'^Foster, the first settler of Hastings, now of 
Du Lnth, St. Louis county, for an interesting 
! letter on the early settlement of the town and 
incidents connected therewith, which being written in 
the doctor's usual pleasant style, we give in his own 
language : 
W, H. Mitchell^ Esq.^ Rochester ^ Minn, : 

Dear Sir : — In answer to inquiries respecting early 
settlement and early settlers at Hastings and in Da- 
kota county, I would mention that on the 21st of Au- 
gust, 1851, the day after the signing of the treaty of 
Mendota, made with the Sioux Indians, by which they 
sold the right to rove over a vast territory on the 
west bank of the Mississippi, including the whole of 
Dakota county, I traveled with Alexis Bailly, senior, 
to the present town site of Hastings, and there made 
the claim where my family stiU live, embracing the 
south shore of Lake Isabel, the beautiful lakelet in^ 
serted into the city plat of Hastings. The first house 
built in Hastings is my homestead, upon this lake. 
It was commenced in the winter of 1851-52. The 
body of the house — though it was afterwards weather- 
boarded, plastered and gothicized— was constructed of 
logs. Alexis Bailly, Sr., Alexis P, Bailly, and Henry 
Bailly, his two sons, and old John " Blockhanti," as 
T^e used to call him, their man of aU work, an old dis. 



116 HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 

charged soldier aiid quite a cliaracter in his way, aa-' 
sisting in the work of putting it up. The ekler Mr. 
Truax, of Point Douglas, did part of the carpenter- 
work, and Daniel TV. Truax, his son,_now a prominent 
merchant of Hastings, and Edward F. Parker, after- 
wards County Attorney, helped on the huilding, which 
was finally finished by Albert H. Halsteod and Hiram 
Halstead, carpenters, who made claims on the Yer- 
million Bluff or Prairie, opposite the lower stone 
flouring mill, on the Vermillion, built by me, in part- 
nership with Gov. Pamsey, as joint owner. 

"When I arrived in Hastings there was ©ne log 
house in it, which had been built several years before 
under the pretext of an Indian trading license, to 
hold tlie town site — the proprietory interests being 
©wned by the Baillys, Gen. Henry Hastings Sibley 
and Alexander Faribault, then ofMendota, but now oi 
the town of Faribault in Pice county. The latter sub- 
sequently sold out one-third interest to Wm. G. Le 
Due. The log trading house stood near the Missis- 
sippi, in the centre of Yermillion street, near its junction 
with Second street, and was long ago pulled down, 
but not until it had become quite famous to immi- 
grants for the pleasant hospitality displayed there by 
Mr. and Mrs. William Felton, who now live on a fiirm 
a little west of the town. The first house, after this, 
was my own, as I have stated ISTcxt the store of the 
Baillys was erected, and soon afterward i\\Q hotel of 
the town, long known as the "New England House," 
on Second street, was built, both by the town proprie- 
tors. The first white man to settle on the town site 



lIISTOIiY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 117 

after the treaty was made, was niyseif. Mr. Felton 
w^as tlie next and his good hidj was the first white 
woman settler. My wife, Mrs. Hannah E. Foster, 
w^as the next kdy settler of the town. One of the 
earliest houses built in the vicinity, was by Mr. Gill- 
son, occupied by him, his wife and two daughters. 

When I came down to the site of Hastings, on tlis 
12th of August, 1851, Mr. Bailly took me to see the 
Yermillion Falls, which was then ia undisturbed natu- 
ral beauty. Here I found a pole shanty, occupied by 
a young man named Yan Rensaeller, who had baen 
in the "patriot" war in Canada, and was holding 
(under a trader's lic«nse) the Falls claim for himself, 
for Justus C. Eamsey (brother of the Governor) and 
others. Finally, aft«r being sustained a good while by 
his partners, he "sold" them and their claim out to 
Harrison Graham and Wm. G. LeDuc, and emigrated 
to the Pacific. We also found at this Falls shanty, 
Abraham Truax, who was in Yan Eensaeler's em- 
ploy, but who had a shanty and claim of his own on 
the other side of the Yermillion, just below the Falls. 

The way the town came to be named was, I have 
always understood, in this wise: Each of the original 
proprietors agreed to put into a hat one slip of paper 
with the name he preferred written thereon, and the 
first name drawn out should bo that of the town. Mr. 
Sibley put in his own middle name of Flastings, and 
this being drawn became the name of the new town. 
Before this name was bestowed upon the site, "Olive 
Grove" was its accepted designation. This name 
originated in the fact that Lieut. Oliver, of the United 



118 HISTORY OF DAKOTA COrNTT. 

States army, coming up the river late in tlie fall, with 
a "Durham" boat, loaded with supplies for the garri- 
son at Fort Snelling, was stopped at this point by 
the ice, and that he camped hero in the woods all 
winter, guarding the stores, which were conveyed as 
wanted to the Fort. The spot where he wintered be- 
came known as the " woods or grove where Oliver 
camped," and, by easy transitions, was named first 
Oliver's Grove, and finally Olive Grove. I remem- 
ber that there were some who urged the retention of 
this smooth name for the new city, when it was laid 
out ; but I i^robably aided in preventing its adoption 
by scouting the idea of so tropical a name in so cold a 
climate as ours, where the growth of olives is an im- 
possibility. 

I have referred to the beautiful Lake Isabel, in the 
town site, on the south shore of which my house was 
built. It was so named by the BaiJlys, from a fe- 
male member of the family; but the Indians had 
another name for it, signifying "The Lake of the 
Spirit Bear." Mato is "bear" in the Dakota tongue, 
and Waukon supernatural or spirit, and I have som^e- 
times called the lake Matowaiika or Matoioauga. 
Their legend in regard to the Lake was this : That 
the woods at the lower end, near Yermillion Slough, 
were haunted by the ghost of a monstrous animal — 
a sort of grizzly bear — and that wlioerer ventured into 
its haunts became its prey. The origin of this legend 
is probably to be found in the fact that the town site 
of Hastings, being the extreme YQrgQ of the Sioux 
country, and in easy shooting distance of war parties 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 119 

of tlie Chippewas of the St. Croix river, it was a dan- 
gerous locality for Indians of the Sioux tribe to fre- 
quent, and no doubt in the course of long time many 
individuals had found their fate from their hereditary 
enemies in these -wodos ; and the real bear of the 
Sioux, legend was a Chippewa war party. The 
lake in question, when the Mississippi is in its spring 
flood, and backs its waters up into it^ fills with fish, 
which, when the water falls, are retained as in a trap; 
and, in the early days, in the winter time, I have as- 
sisted in catching them with mj hands, literally by 
the wagon load, as they sought, half torpid with the 
cold, the west side of the lake, where some springs 
made the water a little warmer. In the early day, 
after the ice had made, this lake was a natural racing 
track, and many a spirited contest for horse supremacy 
has enlivened "The Lake of the Spirit Bear." 

There are many incidents and points I might give, 
connected with the growth of the city and the county, 
but time and space forbid. 

Yours respectfully, 

THOMAS FOSTER. 

The first birth was in the family of Mr. Edward F. 
Parker, the 2Tth of April, 1853, and the little stranger 
was duly christened Cora. 

The first marriage was that of Miss Jeneatte Felton 
to Mr. Steven Graham, in 1854, the ceremony being 
performed by Edward F. Parker, Esq. 

In 1854 the first school was taught by a man 
named Gibson, in a claim shanty. The first school 
house was built the same year. 



120 HISTORY OF DAKOTA COU^'TT. 

The Catliolics held religious services as early as 
1853, ill Mr. Felton's house, the priest coming from St. 
Paul semi-aunuallj to perform mass for his liock. 
Eev. T. R. Cressy, a minister of tlic Baptist de- 
nomination, commenced preaching in the autumn of 
1S53, holding his meetings also at the house of Mr. 
Felton. 

The town plat was laid out and suiveyed in 1853 
by John Blakcly, under the direction of Alexis Bailly, 
senior. The proprietors of tlie town site at that time 
were Henry Hastings Sibley, Alexander Faribault, 
Alexis Bailly and Henry G. Bailly, each owning a 
fourth interest. The plat was roughly drawn by Mr. 
Blakely, from his field notes, and afterwards re-drawn 
by Charles L. Emerson, for the lithographer. Mr. 
Faribault soon transferred his interest to Wm. G. Le 
Due, and the claim was entered for the proprietors in 
the land office at Red Wing on the 20th of October, 
1855, and the following winter a government patent 
was issued therefor. 

Few spots can boast of more of nature's handiwork 
in getting charms in perspective. From the upper 
terrace or table land looking northward we behold the 
broad Mississippi flowing onward, in its majesty, and 
bearing on its bosom boats freighted with the pro- 
ducts of the soil, or bringing from foreign shores, or 
the crowded cities of the East, the thousands who are 
seeking homes on our fertile jDrairies, and visitors 
w^ho come to view the beauties of Ueature and breathe 
the fresh and invigorating atmosphere, begotten of 
this northern latitude. While on tlie east lies a beauti- 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUiyTY. 121 

ful little lake, its waters glancing in tlie suns rays like 
a pool of molten silver, while further on and lying be- 
tween the two rivers, tlie Mississippi and the St. Croix, 
is the village of Point Douglas, with its neat cottages 
and church spjres, and still further, the city of Prescott, 
in Wisconsin, and the magnificent bluffs beyond, make 
up the features of a picture worthy the pencil of a 
master artist, while back from the city is as beautiful 
a prairie as ever delighted the eye of the beholder and 
made glad the heart of the husbandman for the gener- 
ous returns for the seed entrusted to its keeping. 

Its prosperity has been continuous and increasing. 
In June, 1857, Mr. "Wheelock, editor of the St. Paul 
Press^ in speaking of the city of Hastings, says : " We 
recollect when Hastings wj?.s considered one of the 
'paper towns" they tell us of in the eastern papers 
and elsewhere. It was a 'paper town' apparently, in 
1854. In 1855 this paper began to be written in legi- 
ble characters, and before the fall of that year was 
already marked with the impress of a bold hand. God 
has made some towm. We have positive fliith in the 
indications of nature. I^ow Hastings we consider a 
foregone " conclusion •' from its very situation. It has 
the very look and air and animus of a town. It has 
one of the best landings on the Upper Mississippi. 
Its site is merely the terminal slope of the prairie 
country which stretches inimitably in its rear till it 
reaches the Minnesota river on one side and the mag- 
nificent valleys of the Cannon and Straight rivers on 
the other. Ko bluffs or ravines embarras its com- 
munication with the interior. Its roads radiate straisrht 



122 HISTORY OF DAKOTA COFNTT. 

and level as railroads to all points of compass. The 
valley of the Cannon is the backbone of Hastings, and 
the thriving agricultural settlements which are filling 
up the country and appropriating every available 
quarter section of these valuable lands afford a seHd 
basis for the future commercial growth of the 
town." 

On the first of January, 1856, there were about 700 
inhabitants. During the year 1856 the number of 
inhabitants nearly trebled, as will appear from the fol- 
lowing extract from the Hastings Journal of that date : 
"According to the census, recently taken, there are 
four hundred and twenty-five scholars between the 
ages of four and twenty-one years. There are seven 
hundred and ten minors. There are twelve hundred 
and eight persons of full age. There are seven hun- 
dred and eighty females, and eleven hundred and 
thirty-eight males. The whole number of inhabi- 
tants is 1918. More than two-thirds of these, 1280, 
came since the opening of navigation, April 18, 1856." 
More than three-fourths of all the buildings in town 
were erected that year. The following year the county 
seat was removed, by a vote of the people, from Men- 
dota to this city, on the 17th day of March (St. Pat- 
rick's Day), 1857, and the county records were removed 
to Hastings on the 2d day of June following. 

In 1860 a bill was passed allowing the peoj)le of 
the county to vote upon the proposition to remove the 
county seat trom Hastings to Pine Bend. At the ' 
election the vote stood — for removal of county seat, 
(j^^\ against the removal, 1125. 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUJSTY. 123 

In 1868 the Legislature passed an act allowing the 
people to again vote upon the proposition of removal 
of county seat — this time from Hastings to Farming- 
ton, but the proposition was lost by between five and 
six hundred votes. 

Towards the last of May, 1852, Mr. Wm. Felton 
left Pittsburg, and came by way of St. Louis to Wa- 
basha, where he arrived on the 13th of June. On the 
3d of July he left on an exploring expedition. 
There was no settlement between Wabasha and Eed 
Wing, and none from there to Hastings, and noth- 
ing at this point but the log house of II. G. Bailly, 
who kept a kind of trading post for the Indians, which 
was the only house, exce2:)t Dr. Foster's, from Red 
Wing to Mendota. Mr. Felton arrived at this point 
on the 4:th of July, and camped on the prairie on the 
elevated plateau back from the town. After satisfying 
himself in regard to the location, he returned to Waba- 
sha, and on the 6tli of September again started for 
this place, this time accompanied by his family. On 
his arrival he rented Mr. Bailly's trading house and 
opened the first boarding house and tavern in this 
section of country. Mr. Felton lived here four years. 
In 185'1 Mr. Felton built the first wharf ever built on 
the levee in this place. He was elected Justice of the 
Peace the same year, l^ein^^j the first elected in the 
county, though Edward F. Parker, Esq., had been 
acting as Justice since the spring of 1852, under a com- 
mission from Alex. Ilamsey, as Territorial Governor. 

In 1853 quite an immigration was had, though 
mostly of single men and explorers. In 1854 the 
9 



124 HISTOKT OF DAKOTA CiiUMY. 

tide of immigration set in strongly, and a large in-. 
crease was tlie result. 

This year Mr. Felton estauHilied a ferry iicross the 
Mississippi, iixing the rate of crosshig at ten cents, 
and sometimes at the commencement he could not 
clear ten cents a day, Lnt before the close of navigation 
the population and travel had so largely increased that 
his receipts were not infrerpiently from 88 to 810 per 
day. 



CITY OF HASTING.S. 

At the session of the Territorial Legislature in 1857, 
an act was passed, incorporating tlic city of Hastings, 
and at the election in May, tlie followiiig ofiicers were 
elected : 

Mayor— Dr. A. II. ITanchett. 

Aldermen— 1st Ward, E. D. Barker and Thomas 
Hope; 2d Ward, O. T. Hays and II. V>. Plant; 
3d "Ward, E. G. Freeman, and William Lee. 

John F, Marsli was qnalilied as City Eeccrder, and 
Ethan North as City Jnstice. 

Dr. Hanchett resigned before his term expired, and 
Alderman Hope was elected Acting Mayor for the 
remainder of the term. Aldcrnuan Plant ah?o resigned 
and D. F. Langley was elected to fill thf? vacancy. 

1858. Mayor — 11. H. Day; Aldermen — Messrs. 
Hope, Griswold, Carll, Boyle. Lee and Hays; 
Tlecorder — XL J. Rogers. 



HISTORY OV DAKOTA COUNTY. 125 

A new cliai'tor taking the place of the ohl one, on 
the 5t]i of June, 1858. The followhig named officers 
were declared elected for the ensuing year : 

Mayor — IT. II. Day ; Aldermen — J. B. Griswold, 
S. S. Carll, William K. Rogers, and David Barker ; 
City Clerk— 11. J. Bogers. 

1859. Mayor — John F. Marsh ; Aldermen — Messrs, 
Mullonoy, Eichhorn, Dutton, and Casserly ; City 
Clerk — A. Mackeracker; City Justice — T. M. Ray; 
City Attorney — L. Smith. 

Mayor Marsh resigned liis otHce in I^ovcniber of 
this year and Orrin T. ] lays Avas elected to fill the 
vacancy. In May, ISGO, the office of City Clerk was 
declared vacant, and L. W. Collins was elected to fill 
tlie vacancy. 

1860. Mayor— John L. Thome; Aldermen- 
Messrs. Marvin, Eichhorn, Dutton and Leach ; Clerk — 
J. F. Kennerson ; Attorney — L. Smith. 

In JSTovember Mr. Kennerson resigned the office of 
Clerk, and L. ^Y. Collins was elected to fill the va- 
cancy. 

1861. Mayor — D. F. Langley ; Aldermen-^Messrs. 
Barnum, Allen, White and Van Duzee; Clerk — C. 
A. Baker; Attorney— C. ^Y. Nash; Treasurer, A.M. 
Pell ; Marshal, Charles Lewis ; Surveyor, 11. J. 
Rogers ; Police Justice, J. R. Claggett. 

1862. Mayor, P. Van Aiiken; Alderman, Messrs. 
AValdhier, Ainsworth, Meloy and Johnson ; • Clerk, 
L. W. Collins; Attorney, F. M. Crosby; Marshal, 
Charles Lewis; Treasurei*, R.J. Marvin; Police Jus- 
tice, O. T. ITavs. 



136 HISTORY OT' DA.KOTA COUNTY. 

In August Mr. Collins resigned tlie office of City 
"Olerk, and C. P. Fuller was elected his successor, but 
:in December^ lie also resigned and B. C. Howes was 
elected to the^vacancj, who in turn resigned the same 
month, and Charles Etheridge was selected to supply 
•the place. 

1863. Mayor— Col. J, L. Thorne; Aldermen- 
Messrs. Meloy, Rehse, Schaler and Taylor ; Clerk — 
'G. S. Whitman; Attorney — Seagrave Smith, Treas- 
urer; R. J. Marvin; Marshal, A. G. Erdman ; P. 
'Hartshorn. 

1864. Mayor — Hon. John L. Thorne; Aldermen, 
Messrs. "Wilson, WhitejSimon and Lovell; Attorney, 
L. Yan Slyck; Treasurer, E. J. Marvin; Marshal, 
Edwin-S. Fitch. 

1865. Mayor — Royal Lovel; Aldermen — Messrs. 
Ainsworth, Eichhorn, Simon and^Draper; Clerk — C. 
A.Baker; Attorney — L. Yan Slyck; Treasurer — R. 

-J. Marvin; Marshal — E. S. Fitch. 

In September Mayor Lovell resigned his office and 
Mark Wilson was elected to fill the vacancj^ Alder- 
jiian Ainsworth also resigned and John White was 
•elected his successor. 

1866. Mayor — J. E. Finch ;]; Aldermen — Messrs. 
Latto, Rich Stearns and Taylor; Clerk — John A. 
Morton; Attorney — L. Yan Slyck; Treasurer — R. J. 
Marvin; Marshal — M. Maloney. 

1867. Mayor — D. E. Eyre; Alcermen — Messrs. 
Rehse, E. A. Rich, Simon Haas, P. Yan Auken, 
B. C. Ilawes and W. Ainsworth; Clerk— G. S. 
Whitmam ; Attt^rney — F. M. Crosbv ; Treasurer — 



niSTOIiy OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 12T 

K. J. Marvin; Marshal — Charles Lewis; Police Jus- 
tice — David Barker. Mr. Barker resigned and E^ 
Parliman was elected in his stead as Police Justice. 

1868. Major — D. E. Ejre; Aldermen — Messrs. 
J. F. Rehse, L. L. Ferry, P. Yan Auken, John Pel- 
ler, B. C. Howes, Charles A. Baker ;*,Clerk—G. S; 
Whitman ; Attorney — F. M. Crosby ;^Treasurer — E. 
J. Marvin ; Marshal — Charles Lewis ; Police Justice — 
E. Parliman. 

The Board of Education of the city of Hastings 
consists of two school inspectors for each ward, six m 
all, organized by special act of the Legislature, passed 

1866. At the first election, April, 1866, the follow- 
ing gentlemen were elected: 

1st Ward— Edmund Eichhorn, L. ;Yan]Slyck ; 2d 
Ward— G. S. Winslow and F. M. Crosby; 3d 
Ward— P. T. CKamberlin, Seagrave Smith. 

P. T. Chamberlin was elected President and is the 
present incumbent. Eev. C. S. LeDuc^was elected: 
Secretary and Treasurer, and resigned in September,.. 

1867. F. M.' Crosby was appointed to fill the va-, 
cancy, and resigned in March, 1868. Rev. I. M. Ray> 
was appointed*"- to fill the vacancy and is the present 
incumbent. ' 

Messrs. Chamberlain and Winslow were re-electedl 
at the annual election in 1867. J. B. Tozer was also, 
elected at the same election. In April, 1867, F. M. 
Crosby resigned and C. M. Churchill was appointed! 
to fill the vacancy. In December, 1867, Seagrave, 
Smith resigned and Pev. I. M.'Ray was appointed ta 
fill the vacancy. 



128 . lIISTOr.Y OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 

At tlie auuuai election, April, 1S68, M. JMcHugli 
was elected for tlic 1st ward, C. M. Churchill for the 
2d ward, and D. B. Triiax for the 3d ward. The 
present Board is as follows : 

1st Ward— G. S. Winslow and M. McIIugh; 2d 
Ward— J. B. Tozer and C. M. Chnrchill; 3d Ward— 
P. T. Chamberlain and D. B. Triiax. 

The first bank in Hastings was merely a bank of 
exchange, and operated by Thorne 6z FoUett, in 1856. 
In lSo9 Mr. Thorne made it a bank of issue, with a 
capital of 825,000, called Thome's Bank. On the 
same day that the bills were issued, Messrs. Follett 6: 
Eennick issued bills on the Bank of Hastings. The 
Bank of Hastings is now known as the First National, 
and Thome's Bank as the Merchants' JSTational. 

The Star Works Manufacturing Company went into 
operation in 1866, with the following officers: J. F. 
E-ehse President, W. F. Bacon Secretary, Charles 
Pearson Superintendent. They manufiicture all 
kinds of agricultural implements, railroad work, S:c.j 
and employ about fifteen men, doing an annual busi- 
ness of from 820,000 to 830,000. 

Of the settlement at the the Falls we cannot do bet- 
ter ])erhaap3 than to give an extract of a letter from 
Gen, W. G. LeDuc on that subject. Mr. LeDuc 
says : 

" Some time during the year 1S53 or 1851, I went 
from St. Paul, where I was then residing, practising 
law and in business, fishing to Trout P> rook, twelve 
miles below Hastings. On^my return, while fording 
+he Yermilion, I was met bv Harrison H. Graham, 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUJSTV. 121) 

for whom I had some legal busiiie.ss in hand, and 
who informed me that he had made a claim of the 
quarter section embracing the Yermilion Falls, that 
there was a dispute in relation to the claim, and he 
wished me to defend his case ; that the party holding, 
James Main I think the name was, did not pretend 
to hold the claim for himself, hut said he held for 
Alex. Wilkin and others in St. Paul. I took the case, 
and after some litigation, succeeded in obtaining the 
patent for my client, Graham. He was poor, unable 
to pay any fees and had burrowed of n;ie betyroen one 
and two thousand dollars, and after entry v/as com- 
pleted and patent issued, he of&red me one half of 
his claim in payment of indebtedness. Subsequently 
he borrowed more money, amounting to several thou- 
sand dollars, and became indebted to many other per- 
sons, and linally offered to sell me the remaining half 
interest if I would pay his debts, assume all joint 
debts on the property and give him $7,000 cash, which 
offer I accepted, and the property was transferred, I 
think, early in 185G. I"p to this time I had regarded 
my interest in the property in tho town site of Hast- 
ings, one-fourth of which I purchased of Alex. Fari- 
bault, as a mere specidative transaction. But aftei- 
buying out Graham, I examined the ])ii.)pcrty thor- 
oughly and found myself possessed of one of tlie most 
beautiful and desirable waterfalls in the world, with a 
little farm house of two rooms, and a clumsy back 
woods mill with two run of stone, the st-^'ues being- 
one four and a half and the other four feet in diameter 
and each placed on top of the water shafc which drove 



130 HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. . 

them, said shaft being a tree cut from the woods near 
and rounded roughly, the foot being rounded, and 
standing in a cast iron dish resting upon the lever which 
raised the stone. The mill machinery was driven by 
tlie friction of a wooden wheel on this shaft rolling, on 
a smaller wooden wheel, which had to be renewed as 
fast as worn out. I don't think there was a cogged 
wheel in the concern. The water wheels on the foot 
of the driving shafts were percussion wheels of wood 
made roughly by Graham, and answered the purpose 
of grinding the grain of the farmers around. I took 
out this machinery and rebuilt the mill, a millwright 
named Bowers superintending the work, and who 
was unfortunately drawn into the machinery, while 
starting the same for the first time, and crushed so that 
he died tlio next day. This mill I afterwards improved 
and enlarged, and previous to entering the army, sold, 
with twenty acres of land, to Messrs. Harrison of 
Illinois for $20,000. One of the Harrisons died, and 
the other sold the property to Stephen Gardner for 
$27,000. Mr. Gardner immediately ])roceeded to 
erect the substantial stone mill which now embelishes 
the north bank of the Yermilion at the Falls." 

This mill is one of the finest in tlie country, and 
with an exhaustless supply of pewer, it is considered 
the most valuable mill property in this part of the 
State. Yerniilion mills flour bears an extra price in 
the market wherever it has become known. The Da- 
kota Mills, situated on the lower Falls of the Yermil- 
ion, about a mile l)elow, is the property of Gov. Alex- 
ander Kanisov. The buildino: is of stone and has an 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COTIXTT. 



1^1 



excellent water power, but is not so easy of access as 
the Yermilion, neither are the mills of so great ca- 
pacity, yet the power is sufficient to admit of enlarging 
to almost any extent the proprietor may wish. 

_ _- ^^--'-^--^ Yermilion Falls, 

a view of which we 
give, is perhaps as 
beautiful a waterfall 
as any in this land 
of ''sky-tinted wa- 
ters." Longellow 
has probably not 
seen it, and so it 
has escaped the 
^rythmic rhapsodies 
^5^^^ he is wont to bestow 
upon the beauties- 
^of natural scenery. 
IS'o dusky maiden^ 
sitting on its bank& 
has poured out her 
sad wail for broken 
icart-hopes for some- 
swarthy brave, and 
consequently no tra- 
vKRMiLioN FALL8. ditions or legends 

are connecled therewith ; yet to the admirer of nature's 
lavish beauties, it is one of the most enchanting 
scenes to be found, and new beauties arise Irom 
each separate stand-point. The sheer descent is about 
sixty iQQ\^ thougli broken for the first twenty-feet, and 




132 HISTORY 01<" DAKOTA COUNTY. 

then the remaining forty ieet ialls in one unbroken 
sheet to the gorge below. The banks are precipitous 
on either side and to reacli the bed of the river at the 
foot of the falls one must go some distance below to 
find a place of safe descent. It only needs the pen of 
the poet or the pencil of the master artist to make 
Vermilion Falls one of the most enchanting scenes 
ever designed by tiie Master Architect and thrown out 
of nature's great storehouse for the benefit and delight 
of mankind. 

The Hastings and Dakota Railroad is so completely 
identified -with the history and the interests of the 
city of Hastings, tliat it will not be inappropriate to 
give something of a sketch of its inception and pro- 
gress. 

As early as 1S5G, Hon. W. G. LeDuc succeeded 
in getting a bill passed by tlie Territorial Legislature 
ojranting a charter for the building of the Hastings, 
Minnesota Kiver and Red River of the Xorth Rail- 
road. A company was organized under the provisons 
of tlie charter and the organization maintained up till 
the time of the breaking out of the war, when all 
local enterprises were forgotten or lai'd aside to attend 
to the demands of the country in its hour of peril, and 
railroads that had been projected but not commenced 
Avere all at a stand-still. Meantime the Minnesota 
Central, now Milwaukee, St. Paul and Minneapolis 
Railroad, was built through nearly the centre of the 
county, and consequently drew largely from the trade 
and business of Hastings. The business men of the 
city were somewhat depressed in spirit on account of 



HISTOKY OF DAIvOTA COUNTY. 133 

the reaction and the cutting oil of the rich agricul- 
tural rea'ion which had heretofore been tributary 
thereto, and resolved to make another effort to put 
themselves in railroad coniniunication with the outside 
world, and during the session of the Legislature of 
18C)G, Gen. LeDuc, who had just returned from the 
war, succeeded in getting a renewal of the charter for 
that road, as well as legislative authority for the city 
of Hastings to issue bonds to aid in the construction 
of the road. A memorial to C(r.]gres3 asking a grant 
of lands for this road was also V'assed by the Legisla- 
ture. Mr. LeDuc, immediately upon the adjournment 
of the Legislature, repaired to Washirgton, and with 
the aid of the Hon. I. Donnelly, member- of Congress 
from Hastings, sustained by the whole delegation from 
Minnesota, a grant was obtained of tQii sections per 
mile. A competent engineer was employed to run a 
preliminary survey from Big Stone Lake to Hastings. 
The survey was pushed forward as fast as possible. 
As the first snows of winter whitened the landscape the 
last stake was stuck on the banks of the Mississippi. 
Early the following spring grading was commenced, 
and as the city had voted to issue bonds to the amount 
of $100,000 to aid the enterprise, people began to have 
some confidence in its ultimate success, feeling as- 
sured that the road would at least be built as far as 
Farmington, to connect with the Milwaukee, St. Paul 
and Minneapolis Railway, and thus give them a rail- 
road connection with the East. AVork was pushed for- 
ward as rapidly as funds could 'be jn-oeured, and in 
1867 nearly twenty miles of the road was graded. 



134 HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 

Thus far everything had been done by tlie unaided 
efforts of the people of Hastings ; an unwearied search 
was meantime being made for capital with which to 
push the work to completion, which after many dis- 
appointments was at last crowned with success. An 
arrangement was entered into with Oakes Ames, of 
Massachusetts, to furnish $200,000 and take one half 
interest in the road, it being stipulated that the com- 
pany should finish thirty miles of the road, and he 
should receive one half interest for the sum above 
mentioned. This arrangement was finally concluded 
in July of 1868, and the work thereupon hurried for- 
ward with the utmost rapidity consistent with economy. 
The company have now thirty miles of the road in 
operation, with freight and passenger cars running 
thereon. The iron used in the construction of the 
road is the Welch rail, weighing fifty pounds to the 
yard. The first engine was made in Providence, E. I., 
and named for the trustee of the company, Hon. J. B. 
Alley. It is the intention of the company to complete 
the road to the Minnesota river in 1869, and through 
to the w^estern boundary of the State within -^ve years. 

The present officers of the company are as follows : 

President — Gen. "Wm. G. LeDuc. 

Secretary and Gen. Agent — Col. C. IT. L. Lange. 

Treasurer — Stephen Gardiner. 

Acting Su'perintendent — Col. E. A. Williams. 

Directors — J. B. Alley, Peter Butler, Oliver Ames, 
of Boston; William L. Ames, of St. Paul; Stephen 
Gardner, W. G. LeDuc, Peter Yan Auken, E. B. 
Allen, J. C. Meloy, of Hastings. 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA. COUNTY. 135 



HASTINGS BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 



ATTORNEYS. 

•Claggett & Crosby, vSecond street. 

Huddleston & Babcock, Second street. 

Smith & Van Slyck, Second street. 

Eli Robinson, Second street. 

L. Smith, Second street. 

AV. DeW. Pringle, Sibley street. 

E. Parliman, Second street. 

AUCTIONEPJiiS. 

P. B. Cook, Second street. 
S. Newell, Second street. 

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. 

Gardiner & Meloy, Commercial street. 
John Rhodes, McCormick's Reapers. 
Baker & Truax, Vermilion street. 
M. Plumsted, Ramsey street. 

BOOKS AND STATIONERY. 

W. P. Stanley, Second street. 

L. L. Twitchell, Post Office building, Second street. 

BILLIARD SALOONS. 

Tontine, Ramsey street. 

Henry Constans, Ramsey street. 

BANKS. 

First National, Second street. 
Merchants' National, Second street. 

BARBERS. 

R. J. Burns, Second street. 
Burns & Overalls, Second street. 
A. J. Overalls, Tremont House. 
A. Wealthy, Ramsey street. 

F. D. Spring, Vermilion street. 

BAKERS. 

C. Beck, Sibley street. 
C. Miller, Ramsey street. 



130 HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY 



KREWEKIKS. 

Smitli & Latto, Fifth street, near Lake Isabel. 
Charles Saille, Third street. 

liLACKSMTTHS. 

Morse & Seott, Vermilion street. 

D. Becker, Vermilion street. 

John Stoudt Fuecker, Vermilion street-. 
J. P. Theim, Vermilion street. 

E. Cain, Vermillion street. 

J. Estarqnin, Vermilion street. 
M. A. Canning, Vermilion street. 

nooTS AX J) s^iroEs. 

J. F. Norrish, Second street. 
J. Gnigenheini & Co., Second street. 
George Xewman, Second street. 
W. J. Van Dyke, Second street. 
E. B. Allen, Second street. 
D. E. Eyre, Second street. 
Fisher Brothers, Second street. 
Howes <fc Tuttle, Second street. 
P. Kernin, Second street. 
]M. Herbst, Ramsey street. 
J. ]N[arshall, Vermilion street. 
P. Kalkers, Vermilion street. 
Bracht, Vermilion street. 

1{UILDEI?S. 

Hammond 6z Woodward. 
Powers «fc Rebout. 
Lee tt White. 

(LOTIITNG. 

J. Guigenheim & Co., Second Street. 
George Newman, Second street. 
W. H. Cary <fc Co., Second street. 
Philip Frank, Vermilion street. 
Conrad Oestreich, Second street. 
V. Boor, Second street. 
S. Lampher, Vermilion street. 

COOPEK sjiors. 
Henry Peters, Sixth street. 



]IISTORY oy J)AKOTA <OUNTY. 137 

Vn\ GOOD.S. 

Fisher lU-others, Second street. 
Howes &Tuttle, Second street. 
John F. Xorrish, Second street. 
Maeomber & Oliver. '2o:\ Second street. 
J. Guggenheim & Co., Second street, 
(^eori^e Newman, Second street. 
\Y. J. Van Dyke, Second street. 
E. B. Allen, Second street. 
Daniel E. Eyre, Second street. 

DF.NTISTS. 

N. 11. Hurd, Vermilion street. 
H. (\ ]*.Iowers, Second street. 

DKUCS A^l) 3IKDICINES. ' 

Finch <?c Langley, Second street. 
Pv. J. :\[arvin, Second street. 
D. M. Henriqncs, Second street. 
Weems & Cecil, Second street. 

EATINCf HOUSES. 

John F, Newton, Second street. 
:Mrs. :SIarv Mackey, Second street. 
William Haas, near depot. Second street. 
:.Irs. JJarrett, Second street. 

i:X PIIESS OFFICES. 

American and Merchants' Union, on levee.. 

FUKNITUR3-: DEA EEKS. 

H. liutturft; Secon<l street. 
J. Kohler, Second street. 
H. Kramer, Vermilion street. 
Spencer, Vermilion street. 

Fou::ti)Jiv AXD machix'e shop. 

Star Works Manufacturing Company, lower levee. 
A. Warsop, Vermilion street. 

FEOUKIN(; MILLS. 

Vermilion Mills, Vermilion Falls. 
Dakota Mills, Lower Falls. 

FtHlWAIlDINCJ AUD COMMISSION. 

P. Van Auken, Commercial street. 
iTardner A: Meloy, Commercial street. 



138 HISTORY OF DAKOTA. COUNTY 

FANNING MILLS FACTOIiV. 

A. B. Tyrrell, Second street. 

GUN SHOP. 

Michael Fisher, Second street. 

GROCERIK-. 

E. Dean, Second street. 
Browning & Co., Second street. 
Churchill & Closser, Second street. 

D. E. Eyre, Second street. 

E. B. Allen, Second street. 
Thos. McDonald, Second street. 
Truax & Martin, Second street. 
Merrill & Hannah, Second street. 
G. & F. Zany, Second street. 

J. F. Norrisli, Second street. 
Howes & Tattle, Second street. 
Arper & Kilpatrick, Verrailioii street. 
J. K. Freer, Vermilion .street. 

HAEDWARE. 

H. H. Pringlo, Second streci. 
Silver & Cook, Second street. 
McHugh & Taylor, Second street. 

HARNESS SHOPS. 

H. Coggswell, Second street. 
H. D. Williams, Second street. 

F. Schureh, Vermilion street. 

HOTELS. 

Tremont, Second street. 
Minnesota House, Second street. 
American House, Second street. 
Western Hotel, llamsey street. 
Burnett House, liamsey street. 
Dacotah House, near levee. 
Garden City House, Sibley street. 
Garibaldi House, Vermilion street. 
Waverly House, Vermilion street. 
Union Hotel, Fourth street. 
•Gilkey's Hotel, Vermilion street. 



1 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA. COUNTY. 139 

INSURANCE AGENTS. 

L. S. Follett, Second street. 
Eli Robinson, Second street. 

B. C. Howes, Second street. 
J. R. Claggett, Second street. 
W. H. Skinner, Second street. 

JEWELRY. 

J. F. Macomber, 253 Second street 

C. Strauss, Second street. 
Peter Smith, Second street. 

LIVERY. 

8. P. Ratlibone, Ramsey street. 
Charles Damrel, Second street. 

LEATHER AND FINDINGS. 

Schroth & Peller, Commercial street. 

LUMBER DEALERS. 

Rhineiiart & Peters, Fifth street. 
A. J. Short & Co., Third street. 

MILLINERY. 

Miss S. E. Van Auken, Second street. 
Mrs. Beckwith, Second street. 

MEAT MARKETS. 

Tanner & Cop, Vermilion street. 
S. T. Towle, Vermilion street. 
Xiucas Brothers, Vermilion street. • 
C. Pflager, Ramsey street. 
Smart & Smithberger, Second street. 

PHYSICIANS. 

William Thorne, Second street. 
J. E. Pinch, Second street. 
C. P. Adams, Second street. 
J. S. Weems, Second street. 
H. D. L. Webster, Second street. 
F. B. Ethridge, Ramsey street. 
AVilliam Willson, Ramsey street. 

PRINTING OFFICES, 

Hastings Gazette, Second street, 

Todd & Stebbins, proprietors. 

Dalvota County Union, Ramsey street, 

Fralick <% Seamman, proprietors. 
10 



140 HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 

I'ilOTOOKArHERS. 

Oi T. Johnson, A^ermilion street. 
J. H. Proctor, Second street. 

PLA^'IXG MTT.T.. 

H. Butturti; .^econd street. 
A. B. Tyrrell. 

1»AINT SHOPS. 

diaries Holdcn, Vermilion street. 

E. Ehfi, Ramsey street. 

S. L. De Sylvia, Sixth street. 

FLOW FACTORY'. 

John Bateman, Second street. 

REAL ESTATE DEALERS. 

Claggett & Crosby, Second street. 

Smith & Crosby, Vermilion street. 

E. Eichhorn, Second street. 

N. F. W. Kranz, County Register's office. 

W, DeW. Pringle, Sibley street. 

SHINGLE AND SAAV MILLS, 

William Gillett. 
Rhinehart & Peters. 
W. C. Cowles. 

TELEGRAPH OFFICES. 

Northwestern, Second Street, Miss Butler operator. 
Mississippi Valley, Sibley street, T. Skinner operator, 

TIN SHOPS. 

McKnight & Taylor, Second street. 
H. H. Pringle, Second street. 
Silver & Cook, Second street. 

TALLOW CHANDLER. 

A. Hartson. 

VARIETY STORE. 

Miss A. M. Boyce, Second street. 

WAGON SHOPS. 

D. Becker, Vermilion street. 
J. Estergreen, Vermilion street. 
Meis & Raetz, Vermilion street. 
Stoudt <k Fueker, Vermilion street. 

WINES AND LIQUORS. 

John Dufovir, Second street. 



3 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. . 141 



CS-I^ZEIB isr "V J^^ LS . 



^iS^iN" the U\i ot October, 185i-, Jolin and James 
) W'S Clague, Thomas Gill, William Kegg, Tiiomas 



I 



, Hodgson, Eobert lEoore and Kansom F. Ean- 
"^iS'^^-^'dolph, came into the comity of Dakota and 
settled in what is now known as the town of Greenvale. 
Being tlie pioneers, they were for the time shut out 
from all societ}^ save among themselves, and their 
whole attention was given to tlie cultivation of their 
farms and making for themselves comfortable homes. 
Men of stout hearts and strong and willing hands, 
they soon reduced the barren prairie to cultivated and 
fruitful fields^ and in the autumn of 1855, a bountiful 
liarvest was gathered in as the first installment of the- 
returns for the labor bestowed. Some hardships and 
privations were of course endured, but only sucli as 
are generally experienced b}" the pioneers of a new 
country, and after the first harvest there Avere no ap-- 
prehensions of want or hunger coming to their doors.. 
On the 20th of Septem.ber, 1S55, a son was born 
"to William Kegg, who was christened William Kegg,. 
Jr., and whose death occurred on tlie 10th of October 
following, these being the first birth and death occur- 
ing in the town. On the third day of April, 1856, 
Miss Elizabeth Jane Symonds was married to Mr. 
Billions Pond, which is supposed to be the first trans- 
action of that nature that occurred in Greenvale. la 
1856 a school was opened by Mr.. Charles King, anci 



142 HISTORY OF DAKOTA OOU.NTV. 

the young ideas of the neighborhood were taught to 
iiim liigli in their striving after education, fame and 
renown. Rehgions service was heki in 1856 by Rev. 
Thomas Dodge, though no church was at that thne 
organized. Agricultural pursuits are the only busi- 
ness of the town. -The soil is of a black, sandy loam, 
Tei;j quick in production, and yielding the best qual- 
ity of grain, though not as large quantities, as in some 
towns that have a heavier soil, with clay subsoil. 
*Chub Creek is the principal stream that furnishes wa- 
ter, though no water power is afforded. There is 
plenty of timber for all purposes of fuel and fencing. 
At the time Greenvale was organized the following 
named gentlemen were chosen to administer the town 
government.: 

Chairman of Supervisors — E. B. Carter. 

Associates — A. B. Hale and AY. J. Whittaker. 

Assessor — Samuel E. Finney. 

€oUector—U. E. Randolph." 

Justices— II. E. C. Barrett and S. C. Howell. 

■ConstaUes — R. F. Randolph and Robert Moore. 

In 1867 S. C. Howell was elected as Representa- 
tive to the State Legislature. Mr. Howell has also 
•served as County Commissioner for some years. 

No business aside from the agricultural pursuits of 
the farmers is carried on in the town. Xo wonders of 
natural scenery vary the beauty of the landscape, con- 
sequently the history of Grcenvalo is told in few words. 
The citizens arc of an enlightened and enterprising 
<class, and will niake it a wealthy and intiuential com- 
:munity as time and lauor develope the sources of ma- 
terial wealth that lie hidden in the soil. 



IIISTOKY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 14S' 



"WEST ST. 'S'J^u: 






'^^]Sr 1851 George AY. IT. Bell left Potosi, in 
"^yisconsln, and journeyed to the Territory of 
Minnesota. St. Paul was a qniet village, not. 
•yet disiniiied as a citv. Eeinir mncli interested' 
with the country, he climbed . St. Anthony Hill and 
looked over the face of tlie country on either side of 
the river, and with prophetic eye saw in the future a 
a beautiful and enterprising city on the bank-^. 
of the Mississippi, bustling with trade and coninieree, 
tlie arrival and. departure of steamboats and cars, and 
all the activity and life of a commercial town. But, 
unluckily for him, ho calculated the city on tlie- 
west side of the river, and in accordance v/ith this, 
view, he found a canoe and crossed the river on an 
exploring expedition. Alexander McLcod and Henry 
Balland had claims and had l)uiit cabins. Tliomas 
Odell also had a claim on the top of tlie bluff, near his 
present residence, and was keeping a kind of trading 
post for the Indians. These were the only settlers on, 
this side of the river, and Mr. Bell becoming enamored, 
with the country, concluded to make a claim and re- 
move his family, if they were wjlling. The spot ho 
selected was a fine table land elevated somewhat above 
the bottom lands of tlie Mississippi, yet sheltered by- 
the bluffs in the back ground. It was a lovely site. . 
and had the city been built on that side of the river 
it would have been one of the most desirable location- 



14:4 HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 

in the town. A treaty of peace liad just been made 
with the Indians, and all that section of country ceded 
to the United States, so that settlers had little to fear 
from them, other than occasional annoyances. Mr. 
Bell's claim was in the direct trail of Little Crow's band 
of warriors. Mr. Bell and family feeling that if they 
treated the red man as they would the white all would 
be well, concluded to try their fortunes on the site se- 
lected, and soon had tlieir cabin erected and them- 
selves domiciled therein. It was sometime before 
other white settlers took up their residence on this side 
of the river, and it frequently tried the nerves of Mr. 
Bell and his family to remain in possession of tlieir 
<!laim, as there were times when the Indians under the 
influence of liquor would make such demonstrations 
5is to alarm timid people and make watchful the stout- 
•est hearted. 

In the spring of 1852 Morgan Sweeney removed to 
West St. Paul and settled on a claim adjoining Mr. 
Bell. But the Sioux having become restless on 
account of the delay in the ratification of the treaty, 
grew somewhat troublesome, and one day a party 
of squaws made a raid upon the family of Mr. 
Sweeney and drove them from their cabin, while 
the younger ones drove his cow to. the bluffs and gave 
such demonstrations that Sweeney thought it prudent 
to go back to St. Paul, which resolution he immedi- 
ately put into execution. Many interesting incidents 
might be related of the first settlement and pioneer 
life among the Indians on the western shore of the 
i^reat I\^ther of Waters. 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 145 

In the fall of 1857 the population had so much in- 
creased that the town was laid out and surveyed and 
preparations were active to build up a city, a charter 
was obtained, and West St. Paul immediately com- 
menced to put on the dignity and airs of a city. At 
the municipal election that was held in the spring of 
1858, the following named persons were elected to 
administer the government of the now city : 

Mayor— ^\. W. II. Bell. ^ 

Aldermen — 1st Ward. AV. Derrick, A. Alexander; 
i^d Ward, William Irvine, James Lowry. 

Treasurer — J. Yanderhorck. 

City Marshal — William Wright. 

City Justice — A. K. French . 

The first message of His Honor the Mayor was 
somewhat elaborate, and spoke of the wonderful future 
of the embryo city when it should become full-fledged 
and the termini of various i-ailroads that would in- 
evitably centre here. Tlie people, e-\'er on the alert to 
possess themselves of every advantage that could be 
made available, proceeded at once to obtain a charter 
for the Minnesota and West St. Paul Railroad. The 
company was organized, consisting of William P. 
Marshall, James M. Winslow, D. W. C. Dunwell, 

Amos W. Hall, Artemus Gale, Landfere, D. A. 

Pobertson and C. D Gilfillan . A percentage of the stock 
was paid in and the law in all respects conformed to. 
The route was surveyed, the right of way obtained, 
and all things seemed to be in a rlourishing condition, 
but when the Cedar Valley Railmad Company ftiiled 
it had a discouraging eifect upon other railroad enter- 
terprises, and among otliers the I^Einnesota and West 
St. Paul road vras aban dinned. 



146 HISTORY OF DAKOTA CO^^'TY. 

Before tlie abandonment of tlie railroad project 
excitement ran high in regard to city property in 
"West St. Paul. Real estate reached the highest figures 
and transfers were very brisk. J. Yanderhorck built 
a store and opened a stock of goods. Mr. Alexander 
built a mill and other buildings followed rapidly, till 
it really appeared as though there was a brilliant fu- 
ture in store for the new city. There were four dry 
goods and grocery stores, a bakery, a hardware and tin 
store, two blacksmith shops, one hotel and three saw^ 
mills. Bonds were issued by the city and roads and 
bridges were built, and all seemed on the high road 
to prosperity. But in the spring of 1859 the Missis- 
sippi overflowed its banks, and a general inundation 
ensued. Scarce a house in the city escaped the flood 
of waters. A terrible reaction took place, and city 
bonds which were worth eighty-one cents in the mar- 
ket were hard to dispose of Jit thirty cents. An attempt 
was made at the next session of the Legislature to 
have the city charter repealed, but Anally the bill was 
withdrawn, and the city began to revive. 

William Irvine was elected Mayor at the second 
municipal election, and he in turn was succeeded by 
a. W. II. Bell, D. W. C. Dunwell being the last one 
elected, as the springy floods of 1861 so ofl:ectually 
drowned the enterprise of the city as well as the 
city proper that utter depopulation followed, and at 
the next session of the Legislature the city charter was 
repealed. The population had reached some 700 or 
800, but after the severe wetting of 1861 it fell off till 
there were very few left. Diirinir tlie war every a1)le- 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 147 

bodied man either enlisted or sent a snbstitnte to the 
army and left the working force at home very much 
reduced. The Indian massacres of the frontier 
also made a drain upon the home supply till the colony 
had scarcely a working man left. Business was left 
entirely at a stand still, and not until 1865 did it be- 
gin to revive. About this time several persons com- 
menced diiferent branches of business, but were wise 
enough to locate on the elevated plateau above the 
bottom lands of the Mississippi. The present busi- 
ness of West St. Paul is represented as follows : 

Dealers in dry goods and groceries, McAdams & 
Fabor, J. McCarty, Michael Itin and Matthias Itin ; 
a hardware store by M. Itin ; Joseph Minne and Au- 
gust Yost, blacksmiths ; II. G. Peters, wagon maker ; 
Strong, shoemaker ; M. J. Bell, postmaster. 

The Catholics have a very neat church edifice, in 
which services are held every Sabbath. Kev. Father 
Ireland of St. P§,ul has charge of the church. The 
Methodists have a hall very well fitted up for service. 
Kev. Mr. Bolls is the pastor of the church. 

There is only one school house in the town, though 
there are over one hundred pupils to receive the bene- 
fits of education, and at the last town election one hun- 
dred and ninety-nine votes were polled. 

The first school was taught in West St. Paul by 

Miss Scamman. The first birth was that of 

Charles Dacotah Bell, son of G. W. IT. and Mary P. 
Bell, on the 2Stli of June, 1853. The first marriage 
was solemnized by James Locke, Esq. 



14:8 HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY 



IHE history of the tu\vn of Douglas com- 
^Kiw^mencGs with the year 1855, when John Russell,, 
1:^1 Jai^-i<?3 Ivectley, Mr. Sedmau, Benjamin Hare, 
'^^^r^Zarah Taphn, Barney Gerringcr, Arnold 
Schweitzer and some others pitched their tents and 
resolved to try their fortunes in that locality. All be- 
ins: farmers their first efforts were of course directed 
to breaking the ]vrairie and preparing for future har- 
vests. Ko startling events marked or marred the 
quiet of the neighborhood, but seed time and harvest 
with their labor and their rewards came in their regu- 
lar season and crowned with success the hardy pio- 
neer who had thus sought to make the wilderness 
blossom as the rose, and reduce the wilderness prairie 
to fruitful fields. Douglas is an eveiTgovernnient town- 
ship, with just thirty-six sections of hind, w^ell 
watered by the Cannon Eiver and Trout Broolc. The 
river furnishes a very fair water power, which is as 
yet unimproved. Timber is plenty for fuel and fenc- 
ing. 

The first birth of a white person in Douglas was 
that of George Borrell on the 28th of February, 185C. 
The first death was of JVIr. dure in 1860, while the 
first marriage ceremony was postponed till the 8th of 
March, 186^, when S.^ S. Twitchell and Miss Sally 
Dance entered into an arranu'oment to have tlie mar; 



HISTORY OK DAKOTA COUNTY. 140 

tal rites performed, and perforin the remainder «-^f the 
journey of life in partnership. 

In ISol) a school was taught by Mrs. A. Doxtader, 
and religious services held as early as 1858, by Kev. 
Mr. Shaw, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal 
church, from Hastings. There are no stores or hotels 
in the town. There are six school houses and one 
church edifice built, by Methodists in 18GG. 

The^ following named persons have ofliciated as 
Chairmau of Supervisors and Town Clerk for tlie town 
of Douglas : 
Chair7nan. of Sujyer visors. Tovrn Clerl\ 

D. W. Twichell. ' A. J. Patch. 

J. A. "Wilson. G. F. Wilson. 

D. E. Wilson. S. S. TwitchelL 

A. J. Patch. IS". W. Taplin. 
John Borrell. S. P. Depuy. 
Oliver Patch. J. L. Yx\q. 
X. W. Taplin. J. C. Dance. 

B. M. James. J. Cadwalder. 
Henry Pylo. J. L. Pyle. 
D. Boser. ' K W. Taplin. 

The following named have acted as Justices of the 
Peace: H. Van Auken, D. E. Twitchell, S. S. 
Twitclicl], Oliver Patch, Samuel Lamphere, William 
Grav, John McXamer, John Kerne and Henrv 
Pvle. 



150 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 



lE^j^isriDOLiPKi:. 



f" "' .^iHMJiJi^rri w;is iirst settled in 1854 by 
John Richmond, who made a, claim near the 
centre of the town. He was alone in his calory 
for all that season, as no other claims were 
made till 1855, T^^hen several others made claims and 
located on them. Richard Morrill, Charles Kern, D. 
B. Hnrlbnrt, William Fowler, Stephen Hicks and 
James Jacobs were about the only ones Tvho opened 
up farms this year. These with their families located 
in the town and commenced farming operations. 

Randolph comprises only about one-third of a gov- 
ernment township, being only two miles in width from 
north to south, and six from east to west. It is 
bounded on the north by the town of Hampton, east 
by Douglas, south by the town of Lillian in Goodhue 
county, and west by the town of Sciota. 

The soil is somewhat varied, being sandy along 
the banks of Chub Creek, l)y which it is principally 
watered, while back from the stream the soil is a dark 
loam with a subsoil of clay, making the average yield 
of grain somewhat less in quantity than in some other 
parts of the county, yet the quality is considered of 
the best. The settlement progressed but slowly, as 
most of the claim seekers were afraid the sandy soil 
would not yield rich enough returns to satisfy their 
thirst for gain, and consequently looked further l)efore 
locating;. 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 151 



I 



• 



The first birth tliat occurred in Randolph was that 
•of Charles Kleeberg, in April, 1856. The lirst death 
was that of Mrs. James Hassan, in December, 1857. 
On the last day of December, 1856, Miss Mary Morrill 
was married to Mr. Charles Lewis, the ceremony 
being performed by Rev. Mr. Barnes. 

Miss Anna CiifTurd taught the first school in the 
summer of 1857, while the first religious service was 
held at the house Richard Morrill, in the spring of 
1856, by the Rev. Charles Kearns, a Methodist itin- 
erant minister. There are now two school houses in 
the town, but no church edifice. 

;N"o business has been attempted except farming. 
The land is nearly all occupied, and a fine agricultural 
community is now seen wdiere the open prairie only 
was to be seen twelve or fourteen years since. 

The town organization took place in 1858, at which 
time Ara Barton was chosen Chairman of Super- 
visors, and J. L. Armington Town Clerk, since which 
time the following named persons have occupied those 
positions : 



Chairman of Suj)ervisar8. 


Town Clerk. 


1859- 


-Ara Barton. 


J. L. Armington. 


1860- 


-D. B. Hurlburt. 


J. L. Armino^ton. 


1861- 


-^Y. Paxton. 


Samuel Eddv. 


1862- 


-D. II. Morrill. 


H. H. Yelio.' 


1863- 


-D. 11. Morrill. 


D. B. Hurlburt. 


1861:- 


-Charles Curran. 


G. H. Brooks, 


1865- 


-G. W. Penniman. 


F. D. Barlow. 


1866- 


-G. W. Penniman. 


Charles Smith. 


1867- 


-Charles Smith. 


J. W. Hassan. 


1868- 


-Charles Smith. 


Frank Pennimim. 



162 



JIISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 



The Cannon river runs along the tfunth lino of the 
town and affords an excellent water power just where 
the Granville Mills are situated. The mill is located 
on the south bank of the liver in Goodhue county, 
and affords sufficient milling accommodations to all 
that section of countrv tributarv thereto. 



SCIOT^^. 




}?CIOTA was lirst settled by John C. Couper, 
John II. Couper, William H. Conver, Stephen 
Casey, Charles Lewis, Sr., Charles Lewis, Jr., 
A.J. Kibbey, J. Simmons, Edwin IIone,George 
Daniels, John Iloople, John E. Jones, C. B. Collins, 
E. B. Iliggins, H. Woodworth, IST. "Woodwortli and 
C. P. Bullock, all of whom settled in town the same 
year. 

The lirst school was tar.ght by Miss Bosetta Em- 
mons, and the first birth was that of Ida Bullock, 
while the first death was that of Mrs. A. J. Kibbey, 
in the winter of, 1S5G. Mr. Z. Lewis was married in 
December of 1855, and the first religious service was 
held by Rev. Timothy Wilcoxen, now of Hastings. 
Stephen N. Casey had the honor of building the first 
store, while C. B. CoUins has for erecting the first 
hotel. Most of the dates we have been unable to get 
accurately, and in consequence we have not given 
them. The land is nearly all a prai-rie, there being 
only about two acres of timber in the town. The 
soil is very sandy, and consequently not as well ada])ted 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUJS'TY. 153 

to the cultivation of vrlieat as are many other towns 
in the county, the average yiekl of that cereal heing 
not more than from twelve to fifteen bushels per 
acre. The town is watered by the Cannon river and 
some small creeks. A village called Lewiston was 
platted and laid out by Charles Lewis, who afterwards 
sold an undivided interest to Steplien Casey, and 
there being an excellent water power added to many 
other natural advantages, made the pros2)ect for a 
thriving village at no very distant day rpiite flattering. 
But the town proprietors put their property right up 
to the highest speculative point, and far above the 
reach of those who would liave settled if they conld 
have procured lots at reasonable figures, and the 
conseqnenee was that the town never became full 
fledged, and in a short time it died a natural death, 
and sank into oblivion to rise no more. 

Since the organization of the town under State au- 
thority in 1858, the following named persons have 
acted as Chairman of Supervisors and Town Clerk; 
Chairman of Super imor is. Town Clerh. 

1858 — M. A. Chamberlain. Ilenrv Hoople. 

1859— J. C. Couper. W. K Woodworth. 

1560— J. B. Hawkins. W. K Woodworth. 

1861— H. F. Webb. J. C. Couper. 

1862— J. B. Hawkins. J. C. Couper. 

1863— Walter Hunter. J. M. Scott. 

1864— David Hig^ins. J. M. Scott. 

1865— Nathaniel Terry. J. M. Scott. 

1866— J. E. Jones. ' J. M. Scott. 

1867— George Daniels. J. M. Scoti. 

1868— George Wells. J. M. Scott. 



154 HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY 



iisr^iEi^ c3-i^OArE. 



r 



>^b|4LBERT WEBSTER, AYilliain A. Bissell, 
' ^H. P. Sweet, David C, Murray, with some 
pothers, were the first settlers in Inver Grove, 
^^ all of whom locatecVat Pine Bend on the Mis- 
-sissippi river, and commenced building a town, which 
was at that time known as Centralia, a post office hav- 
ing been established by that name and II. P. Sweet 
appointed postmaster. But little business was done 
till 1857, the only store being kept by the postmaster, 
Mr. Sweet, who kept on hand a small stock of gro- 
ceries, but this year Hon. H. G. 0. Morrison, a lawyer 
from Maine, came to the place and invested consider- 
able capital, erected a flouring mill, a saw mill and 
shingle mr»,chine, a store and several dwelling houses. 
Mr. Morrison had partners in each branch of business, 
the mills being operated by Morrison, Wright & Co., 
and the store b}^ Morrison & Wright. The same year 
the Chambers Brothers built and put in operation a 
large two-story building for a hotel and boarding 
house. 

In 1858, Mr. Theophilus Cushing, an extensive 
lumber dealer from Maine, came to this town, bring- 
ing all the machinery for a large saw mill, which he 
located at Merrimac, five miles above Pine Bend, and 
on the northern line of the town. Mr. Cushing ex- 
pended some $28,000 in the enterprise, but when the 
western bub1)lc burst in that year, this ^vas among 



mSTOKY OF DAKOTA COr.N'TV. 155 

those that coiikl not liold a footing, and witli tlio gen- 
eral crash this went too. This so disgusted the pro- 
prietors that they returned to Alainc, and the mill was 
finally sold to "Win. L, Ames, of St. Paul, or what the 
freshet had spared, who removed the machinery. 

The town plat of Pine Bend was made by H. G. 
O. Morrison, AYilliam A. Bissell, Robert Foster and 
A. A. Lovejoy, and suiveyed by William Dwilley, 
Jr., in 1S57, and high hopes were entertained by the 
proprietors of soon seeing a large city, or at least a 
very enterprising one, built up at this point. Morri- 
son and Co. kept their mills in operation till 1S62, and 
also the store, but the financial crisis of 1857-8 
so crippled the business resources of the proprietors 
that other towns took the lead, and Pine Bend lost its 
prestige and became one of the things that were. 

Some time in 1859 or 1860, Mr. Willoughby built 
a large house near the centre of Inver Grove, and 
opened it as a hotel, being on the direct road to St.- 
Paul from Cannon Falls and Hastings, it was a very 
great aocommodation^ and soon became a noted stop- 
ping point for travellers. 

There is now in the town only one store, which is 
owned by E. F. Crocker, who is also present post- 
master of Pine Bend, a large grain warehouse, owned 
by Thompson & Sanborn, one blacksmith shop, one 
physician, at Pine Bend, Dr. Munson, and one, Dr. 
Barton, at Merrimac. Dr. Barton has also in opera- 
tion a fine steam saw mill, located about one mile 
above the site of Mr. Cushing's. 
11 



'156 HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 

A Metliotlist cliurcli Vv^as erected in 1S5T at Fine 
Bend, and regular cliurcli service vv'as kept up for sev- 
eral years, but as the iiuaiicial pressure depopulated the 
town the sustaining of a minister was considered too 
expensive a luxury, and in 1868 ^ho building was sold 
to the school district and transformed into a first class 
school house, yet still occupied by the Methodists for 
church service. There aro live other scliool houses, 
in the town in convenient localities to accommodate 
the pupils of the different neighborhoods. 

Tlio Catholics have a very neat church ediiice, lo- 
cated about a mile from Willoughhy's on the stage 
road to St. Paul; The German Protestraits have also 
a church building in the northern part of the town. 

The town is well watered by small streams and 
little lakes, and has an {ibundant supply of timber ibr 
all purposes where hardwood may be used. The soil 
is mostly of a black sandy loam, lying on a clay sub- 
soil. There are about ten miles of river coast in the 
town, i: being of very irregular shape, and twelve 
miles in length from north to south. 

Mr. "William IT. Jarvis, formerly a St. Paul drug- 
gist, has a fine nursery of fruit, and ornamental trees, 
and a market warden; from which he furnishes larsje 
supplies for the St. Paul market. 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 157 



^7^^TE:E^:FOI^X). 



y^^m^^ October 1852 a party of explorers started 
) y iw from Cottage Grove in AVasliington county and 
^y A traveled on till tliey came to the Indian cross- 
^^lit>ing on Cannon river, where two of the party, 
Warren Atkinson and John Lanphear made claims, 
Atkinson's embracing the old Indian ford, jnst above 
the mill dam, in the town of Waterford. They 
staked out their claims and returned homo. In the 
following May Cliarles li. Atkinson made a claim ad- 
joining that of his brother, and some breaking was 
done, but no crops were raised until 1854, when War- 
ren and Charles Atkinson, built a log house and put 
in some fifteen acres of wheat and about eight or ten 
ti) corn and potatoes, and raised an abundant crop. 
They kept their own house and occasionally enter- 
t lined guests, which won for th.eir home tlie soubri- 
(_[uet of Bachelors' Hotel. But in the Septcml)er fol- 
lowing Mr. Ami Nichols and his wife moved into the 
place and usurped the honors of host and hostess, 
which closed the Bachelors' Hotel to the public, and 
so disgusted AYarren Atkinson with single life tliat 
he entered into a copartnership with Miss Ellen A. 
Nichols, whereby they agreed to work and live to- 
gether so long as life should last. The contract was 
ratified on tlie first of Jamiary; 1850, and the new 
couple commenced a new lire and a now year simul- 



lo8 'HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUKTY. 

taiieously, ^vllicll was the first marriage eelebratedf 
in the town. 

In December, 1853, a post office was estabhshed 
called Waterford, and Warren Atkinson appointed 
postmaster, and when the township organization took 
place the name was given to the town by a vote of 
the people. Mr. Atkinson served as postmaster till 
December, 1850, when he was succeeded by S, A. 
Goss, who in turn was succeeded by G-. "W. Forsyth, 
who held the oflace till April, 1862, when Ami Kichols 
was appointed, wdio still retains the ofiice. 

Some time in August, 1855, Jenette M. Howell, 
daughter of Hon. S. C. Howell, now of Greenvale, 
was born at the Bachelor's Hall, which was the first 
birth in town. This same year, a Sabbath school was 
organized, at the residence of K. C. Masters, and Ami 
M. Mchols elected Superintendent and Robert C. 
Masters Secretary. A very good selection of books 
for a library were made up for the benefit of the 
school. 

The year 1855 was one of real prosperity to the 
infant colonv. In Auo:ugt, S. A. Goss built a store 
and opened a stock of goods, which made business ap- 
pear quite brisk. 

The first death which occurred in Waterford was 
that of Michael Simonds, who was drowne i in the 
Cannon river some time in April, 1856. His body 
was not recovered till tlie 5th of May following. The 
first religious service was held at the residence of K. 
C. Masters, in 1856, and a sermon preached by Rev. 
Lucian Farnham, of Kendall county^ Illinoisv 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA C0U2h'TT. 159' 

In the fall of that year L. L. Lewis & Co. erected 
a saw mill just below the Cannon crossing, hut during 
the hard times of 1857 they failed, and the enterprise 
was abandoned without their obtaining any title to 
the water power, which still remains unimproved, 
though it is said to be a good power and a fine open- 
ing for some capitalist to build and operate a flouring 
mill. In November Prescott Giles built a large framed 
house and operated it as a hotel. A blacksmith 
shop had been opened the previous year by Orange- 
Mattison, who still operates it, and nearly all the 
concomitants of a new town were gathered together, 
and the colony numbered thirty-two families. No 
school was taught till the summer of 185T, when Miss 
Lydia Alexander taught a term of six months. 

Hon. Kobert C. Masters served two sessions in the 
Territorial Legislature, and the session of 1866 in the 
State Legislature. Henry W. Tew was elected in the 
fall of 1863, serving in the session of 1864. 

There are two cemeteries in the town, known as the 
^'Ked Eose Cemetery," situated in the northeast cor- 
ner of section seventeen, the land for which was do- 
nated by Dr. Ziba Nichols, and " Oak Leaf Ceme- 
tery," the lands for which were donated by Hon. 
Robert C. Masters, is situated on section SO, in a beau- 
tiful little grove of native oaks, cherry, crab apple^ 
wild plums, &c., on a little hill with sides gently 
sloping to the south and towards the Cannon river. 
There have been but nineteen deaths in the whole 
time since the tow^n was settled, being somewhat over 
fourteen vears. 



160 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 



There are only about two sections of timber in the 
town, which lie in the southwest part and join what is 
called the "Big Woods" of the Cannon river. 

The voters of TVaterford first decided to raise no 
tax nor give any bounties to soldiers, but when the 
draft was ordered, they responded very promptly by 
voting the issue of bonds to pay bounties to volunteers, 
paying as high as S3 75 bounty per man until more 
than the town quota had been enlisted. 

The names of Chairman of Supervisors and Town 
Clerk for Waterfbrd, are as follows, in the order of 
their election: 



Chairman of Supervisors. 
185S— A. K :N'ourse. 
1859— J. K Bill. 
I860— H. TV. Tew. 
1861— Geo. J". Porter. 
1862— Geo. J. Porter. 



Toioji Clerk. 
J, X. Bill. 
J. W. Koath. 
Warren Atkinson. 
Geo. C. Canfield. 
Geo. C. Canfield. 



1863 — Ezra Hammond, resio:ned. Geo. C. Canfield. 

Ealph Ilatton, appointed. 

1861— George C. Canfield. James W.Eoath. 

1865— A. L. Dixon. A. E. Dixon. 

1866— K. C. Masters. A. E. Dixon. 

1867— J. K Bill. A. E. Dixon. 

1868— W. H. Eckles. A. E. Dixon. 



I 



HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY. 161 

In the tbregoing pa_a:es we liave given a statement 
of tlie early liistory of each town and incidents con- 
nected therewith, as nearly correct as we conld obtain 
them. We doubt not tliat we have been in some in- 
stances inaccurate, though we have taken great pains, 
by correspondence and personal visits to the old set- 
tlers, to obtain as correct statements as possible. In- 
two or three instances we have received valuable in- 
formation in regard to certain towns too late for use, 
the sketch of these towns having already gone to press. 

The types, too, made us make a few mistakes. On 
page 24 ^ve have said the Milwaukee and Minneapolis 
railroad company operated 656 miles of road when it 
should have been 850 — and w^ill be next year about 
1000. Again, on page 52, we are made to say that 
Dakota county lies on the east side of the Mississippi 
river, while the fact is that Dakota county is l)ounded 
on the eai5t by the Mississippi, In giving the num- 
ber of acres- of land in the State, there are three 
cyphers too many annexed, making rather too large 
extenf of country. 

We present the cut of the school house at Farmin^-- 
ton, on the last page, as the engraver could not get 
it ready in time to give it in connection with the 
sketch of the town. 

The are also some other small mistakes ajid some 
which probably wc have not discovered. When such 
mistakes shall be discovered we shall feel under obli- 
gation to any friend who will inake them known to 
ns, that we may have them for future reference. 




FARMINGTON SCHOOL HOrSE. 




ESIGNERS AND EnGRAYERS 

;^ ^ O N W O O D . 

©pdeirs S@lj8<slt©(lo Sat?sfaGt8@n) ©tsaparateed* 

MIJ^J^EAPOLIS, MlJy-JV. 

J. F. KACOMBER. FRED. W. OLIVEB. 

MACOMBER & OLIVER, 

DEALERS IN 



LATEST STYLES OF DRESS GOODS, 

SOSI£ET, WmM, HOTIONS, 

AKD A GENERAL ASSORTMENT OF 

Fancy Goods and Dress Trimmings, 

aa3 sEOOisrr) st:r,ee:t, 

HASTINGS, MINN. 

B^ N, HOSMER, 

Fruits, Confectionaries and Notions, 

TOBACCO, CIGARS, PIPES, &c. 

OYSTEES AND GAME IN THEIR SEASON. 

None but the best quality kept in the store. 
Farmington, iL^inn. 



lUfRBlCH, flKCiJ & SCH[fF{!l 

Successors to J. L. Forepaugh Sc Co , 

Jobbers and Importers of 





X?!^t^ 



AND 



3EW o ^^i? i: O 1^^^ 

Ladies' Dress Goods, 

€L0Tlg IIB €1SSI1EEES. 

Country Merchants will find ft to thefr advan- 
tage to examine our Stoct:. 

138 m-IIPt3D STI^EHIT* 

St* Faul, M]iiiiiiisota« 



@©®l€©mtel H@t#l. 



.9) 

Corner of Second and Oak Streets, 

FARMINGTON, MINN., 

HULL & MARKLAND, - - - Proprietors. 

GOOD STABLING ATTACHED. 
WM. E. UULL. W. G. MAIJKLAND. 

DORR C. BRADLEY, Proprietor. 

l)lagiim» H@)m^©f, 

NORTHFIELD, MINN., 
John T. Bingham, Proprietor. 

P.assengers and baggage conveyed to and from the cars free. 



COCKRELL & WILLIAMS, Proprietors. 

The largest and inoyt commodious house between Mil- 
waukee and St. Paul. 
Free Bus to and from the cars and boats. 



H. M. & H. E, HUMPHREY, 



DEALERS IN 



CTL.O THIIVO, 

BOOTS AND SHOSS^ 

Hats and Caps, Ladies and Gents Fur Goods, 

Groceries, Queensware, Lamps and Fixtures, &c. 
FAEMIJSTGTOK MINK 



t 



HICOCK'S BAZAAR, 

109 JiLCKSON ST., 

Saint Paul, Minn. 



E. J. CHEWNING, 

DEALER IN 

Agricultural Iplemenmts 



AND 



GENERAL INSURANCE AGENT, 

FARMINGTON, MINN. 



W. DeW. PRINGLE, 

Attorney and Counselor at Law, 

AND 

RE^L ESTA.TE -AQENT, 

IIxiSTINGS,- MINNESOTA. 

Real Estate Bought and Sold on Commission. Book Ac- 
counts, Notes, and Rents Collected and Returns Promply 
Made. 

JOHN R. CLAQGETT. F. M. CROSBY. 

CLAGGETT & CROSBY, 
Attorneys Sc Counselors at Law 

AND 

REAL ESTATE AGENTS- 

IIxVSTINGS, MINNESOTA. 

E. A. GO¥E, 
Attorney and Counselor at Law. 

PRACTICE IN ALL THE COURTS OF THE STATE. 

Agency for the purchase and sale of Real Estate for new 
residents. 

Money loaned on firs fc class Real Estate. 

Especial attention, given to collection of debts and pay- 
ment of taxes for non-residents. 

nTf. w. keanz, 

Register of Deeds for Dakota County 

AND 

GENERAL DEALER IN REAL ESTATE. 

Pays particular attention to buying and selling farms and 
and city property. Taxes paid for non-residents. 



HINES & LANPHEE, 
Fasliiona'ble H!att<@x*s 



A^D DEALERS IN 



Furs, Gent's Furnishing Goods, &c, 

NO. 94 THIRD. STREET, 
Three doors above the Merchants' Hotel, 

PHOTOGRAPH ARTIST ! 

iTj^Ris/iiisro-TOiisr, lyiiisrisr. 

Photographs life size, and done in oil or water colors when 
desired. Terms reasonable. 






Dr. N, E. HUED, 

HASTINGS. MINN. 



Dr. Kurd feels eonlident that having had many years 
experience in the practice of his profession, he can assure 
the public that his work will give entire satisfaction to all 
who may give him their patronage. 

Hard rubber or vulcanite used for plates, which is much 
better than gold or platina, and closely resembles nature 
in appearance. Particular attention given to cleaning and 
extracting teeth. Persons from a distance allowed $1 per 
day for board, while detained for the manufactiu'e of arti- 
ficial teeth. 



FA^EMIISrGTOIsr 



ill! d Hi IP. 



REPAIKING DONE TO 



Reapers, Threshing Machines, 



AND 



ALL KINDS OF MACHINERY. 

Also New Work Done in a Tliorougli and 
WorSmanlike Manner. 



g ^lY 



\m in liOiioRiios 



MADE 0T\ SHORT NOTICE. 

Faft®me Mad^ to Oi?d©3?^ 

Aiui on hand ibr Reaper v.nd Mov/cr rexjiiiiv. 

liolts of any size for bridges, &e., made and any work 
n the blacksmith department |)i'o:n}Uiy attended to. 

Suction and. Force. Pumps, Road 

Scrapers, Sleigh Shoes, Knees, 

Window Y/eights, &c., 

ON HAND OR MADE TO ORDER. 

II. C. WING, J. S. EOUXSE. J. RICE. 



Physician and Surgeon^ 

FAEMmGTOJS", M^K 



Office at his residence, west of depot. Calls promptly at- 
tended to, whether .by day or night, and "no postpone- 
ment on account of the weather." 

RAILROAD 



lAlIlf© H©l)il 



C. T. McNAMARA, - - Proprietor. 



This house is located at the junction of the Milwaukee, 
St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Winona and St. Peter 
Railroads, and passenger trains on both roads stop a half 
hour in going each way. 

The table is always supplied with the best in the market. 



» 



Tm S«w ¥©rk Storo 



M. MAUX, Hastings, Minn. JOS. GUGGENHIME, LaPorte, Ind 

MARX & GUGGENHIME, 

M@ff@tomt fall®!'®, 

AND DEALERS IN 

DRY GOODS, 



GLiOTHS^ GASSIMSREiS, 

GENTS' FUKNISHIISrG GOODS; 
Hats, Caps* Trunks, Valises, <Sco., cScc. 



Hastings, Minnesota. 
12 



Fanners, Merchants and Mechanics, 

PATRONIZE HOME INDUSTRY. 



1 



MSTIlli CIBSi & CO 

PROPRIETOKS OF THE 

NORTH STAR 



MIIVriffBAPOLiIS^ miJSN., 

MAUEACTtTRE ALL KINDS 

CASSIMERES, MELTONS, 

BLANKETS AND YARNS. 

Our cloths arc made of pure wool, manufactured by skill- 
ful workmen and the latest improved machinery, and for 

Durability, Finish & Excellence of Manufacture 
CANNOT BE EXCELLED. 

We have a large «tock constantly on hand, which we 
offer at exceedingly low prices. 

Wool and Sheep Pelts taken in exchange for Cloth at 
the Factory on the most reasonable terms, or bought for 
cash at the highest market price. 

STOBE ON CATARACT ST., OPPOSITE FACTOEY. 



THE GAZETTE 
BOOK AND JOB 

PRINTING HOUSE. 



LEG^L BLA.NKS 

Constantly on hand or printed to order. The facilities of 
this establishment for 

FIRST GLASS JPRIWTIWTG 

ARE UNEXCELLED IN THE STATE. 

JiJi^Orders by mail receive prompt attention. 



THE HASTINGS GAZETTE, 

A WEEKLY EIGHT COLUMN PAPER, 
Independent in Thought and Expression. 

TERMS— $2 PER ANNUM, IN ADVANCE. 

TODD & SfEBBIN& Pu^&bers: 



THE NORTHWESTERN 

mill PMif mm\ 



RUN A DAILY LINE OF 



Side-Wheel Steamers, 

BETWEEN 

ST. PAUL AlffD ST. LOUIS 

ON THE MISSISSIPPI KIVEPv, 

Stopping at all intermediate points, making close connec- 
tions with all railroad trains. 

This company runs boats to all points on the 

Chippewa, Saint Croix and Minnesota Rivers. 
TT£'SjCDJjarTI. TICKETS 

and through bills of lading for freight given to any point 
desired. 

For pleasure Keekers, Tourists and Travelers generally, 
this route is unsurpassed. The Upper Mississippi affords 
some of the finest scenery on the continent. 

No pains spared by the company or the officers of the 
boats to make passengers comfortable and ensure tjieir 
safety while on bo^rd the boats. 



E. G. I^OBTER, 

AGENT FOR 

PIANOS, ORGANS AND MELODEONS, 

Brass Band Instruments, &c. 

DEALER IN 

ALL KINDS OF MUSICAL MERCHANDISE. 

TEACHER OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC, 
Every instrument fully warranted. 

Hastings Art Gallery. 

O. T. JOHirSOM, Artist. 



Mr. Johnson gives his patrons the benefit of years of ex- 
perience in his profession, and believes he can safely chal- 
lenge the State to produce a more thorough master of the 
art. Photographs done in oil in the most finished style. 
For proof of his claims to superior workmanship he refers 
to his magnificent collection of pictures, executed by him* 
lelf. He acknowledges no superior in the Weet. 




M. 1. LEAHY & CO., 

42 Ji?LCKSON ST., 

Near Merchants' Hotel, 

SAINT PAUL, MINN., 



MANUFACTURER8 

AXD 

DExiLEKS IN 



WROUGHT IRON PIPE, 

Brass and Iron Goods, 



FOR 

STEAM AND GAS FITTERS, 

PliimTDers,Engiiie Builders and Machinists. 

CAMEEON'S SPECIAL STEAM PUMP, 

PICKERmG'S GOYERKOE VALVES, STEAM 

GAGES, ENGINE TEIMMINGS, EUBBER 

HOSE, STEAM PACKING, &c., SHIP 

AND EAIL ROAD PUMPS, 

ROTARY POWER, AND 

HAND, LIFT AND 

FORCE PUMPS, i^c. 

Steam Warming and Ventilating Apparatus erected in 
school houses, dwellings, public buildings, factories, stores, 
&c. Houses fitted with bath tubs, wash basins, with mar- 
ble slabs, water closets, lift and force pumps, lead pipe and 
sheet leak, chandeliers, brackets, &c., &c., in a first class 
manner in any part of the tState. Send for our price list. 

Milwaukee hoase, corner of Main and Huron streets. 



KSt^^:??^*= 





4{> 



I 



FTl-BHs/LXU-ls/L 



f 



MINNEAPOLIS, MINN, 



The Leading Gallery of the Northwest. 



Goal's Gallery is a househoM word in all the land. 



BEAL'S PrCTURE'S HAVE TAKEN 



The highest Premiums wherever Exhibited. 





GEOGEAPHICAL AND STATISTICAL 



SKETCH OF THE 



if 



PAST AND PRESENT 



OF 




i 



it$' 



4 




5^ 



TOGETHER WITH A GENERAL VIEW OF THE 



H 



ST A.TE OF MINNESOTA, 



^ 



BY -VT". HI. livdllTOHIEXiXj. 




MINNEAPOLIS : 

TRIBUNE PRINTING COMPANY. 
1869. 



^^^e^^W^^^^^a^^Oner^t^j.R^S^^;^^ 



J. p. MACOMBER, 

DEALER IN 

lllfl WA^®Hai 

AND 

J 3B XT^T- 3E5 X- 3F1. TK^^ 

253 SECOND STREET, 

H-A-STiira-s, isvdiin^iT. 

Has the largest stock to be found in the State outside of 
Saint Paul. 

Waltham and Elgin Watches, 

SETH THOMAS CLOCKS, 
PLANTED ^V\r^RE, 

TEA SETS, SPOONS, KNIVES, FORKS, NAP- 
KIN EINGS, (fee, 

SOLID SILVER/ "W.A.K/E. 
GOLD AND DIAMOND GOODS 

of every device, manufactured or made to order and en- 
graved, A splendid assortment of 

F-A-ITCir GrOCDJDS. 

Particular attention given to repairing fine watches and 
jewelry. 



D.DJ[RRIUJ1ND111H0., 

SAINT PAUL^ 

KEEP THE LARGEST STOCK IN THE STATE OF 

TOYS^ FANCY GOODS, 

AND 

ALL KINDS OF NOTIONS, 

mM H^holesale and Retaii at I^owtst Prices ! 

A COMPLETE ASSORTMENT OF VIEWS AND 

OF 

M^innesota Scenery. 

A full supply of all kinds of Sabbath School Books, Cards, 
Records and Libraries. 



PIONEER DRUG STORE, 

BY 

FLUKE & THURSTON, 
Third Street, Farmin^ton. 

A FULL ASSORTMENT OF 

PAINTS, OILS, VAKNISHES, 
TOILET ARTICLES^ 

Soaps, Brushes, Combs and Perfumery, 

OF EVERY STYLE AND DESCRIPTION. 

Prescriptions carefully compounded by an experienced ^ 
Druggist. Pure Wines and Liquors for medicinal purposes. 

PiONEER BOOK" STORE! 

FLUKE & THURSTON, 

DEALERS IN 

Books and Stationery, 

SCHOOL BOOKS 

Of the Series recommended by the State Committee, as 
well as a good assortment of 

MISCELLANEOUS BOOKS, 

All kinds of Stationery, Flat Cap, Fool's Cap, and Legal 
Cap, Letter and Note Paper, Envelopes, &c. 

ITJ^ITKII^Ei lETOTZOITS, 

Toys, Holiday Goods, Violin St'*ings, Musical Instruments, 
Bird Cages, Baskets, Willow Ware, Children's Carriages, 

Reticules, Hanging Baskets, Lamps and Chimneys. 
We keep nothing except of the best quality. Goods or- 
dered when not on hand. 



